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]
(..) Okay, I'm sorry. I gotta go. Jamie! She's gone. She hopped in the cab. - We should eat. You hungry, buddy? - Yeah. Okay. Hand me your plate. Hey, bro. You hungry? 'Cause I'm going to get something to eat. Thanks, man. I think I'm just gonna work through lunch. A work ethic. I love it. (..)2011 Friends with Benefits