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должны были быть

were supposed to be

→ должный
phrase Uncommon #25,033
were supposed to be Describes what someone was expected or required to be. The form changes to match the subject.
RU: Мы должны были быть дома к восьми.
EN: We were supposed to be home by eight.

Солдаты не должны были быть так агрессивны.

The soldiers shouldn't have been so aggressive.

— Дом летающих кинжалов (2004)

Вы, по идее, должны были быть там.

You were supposed to be there.

А во сколько вы должны были быть на берегу?

And what time were you supposed to be on shore?

— Возвращение (2003)