If you want this promotion, you're going to have to 'step up to the plate'. [=you will have to improve your work performance to show that you deserve the promotion]
She has a lot 'on her plate' right now. [=she has a lot of things that she has to deal with right now]
He was handed the job 'on a plate'. [=he was given the job without having to do anything to earn it]
(..) Hemostat. What do you see? Wires to the fuze compartment, to the creep spring, to the detonator. But no pressure plate. Easy. It's clear. Is he here? Yes, he's... he's waiting just outside. Send him in. (..)2016 TvShow: Designated Survivor Title: Pilot Season: 1 Episode 1