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]
(..) - All right. ln fact, l had no idea if he was ever gonna fly in again. lt's not often one has the opportunity to adios... the plates of a major Hollywood film star. lt was, um-- lt was thrilling for me. So how is he ? l don't know. (..)1999 Notting Hill