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]
(..) (horn honks/tires screech) (siren) (siren continues) (siren stops) Officer is requesting assistance on a California license plate ACU,,, (radio dispatcher) Roger, we copy request... Driver, step out of the car! Hey! Driver, step out of the car! - Oh, man, get down! (..)1994 The Glass Shield
(..) Yes, sir, Hmm, You were closer to the scene, but Deputy Bono made the arrest? Well, I was in the process of taking his license plate and calling it in when Deputy Bono pulled in behind him, I see, No further questions, (bailiff) Do you solemnly swear (..)1994 The Glass Shield