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]
(..) Joey and my friend are out last night, having dinner, and she reaches over... - ...and takes a few of his fries-- - Oh, no! What? You know about the plate thing? Oh, yeah, yeah. No, Joey doesn't share food. I mean, just last week we were having breakfast... ...and he had a couple grapes on his plate. - You wouldn't let her have a grape? - No, not me. Emma. Joey doesn't share food! Well, I still think that is a stupid reason (..)2004 TvShow: Friends Title: The One with the Birth Mother Season: 10 Episode 9