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]
(..) - Put the gun down. I swear to God! - You are the cop! You're a cop! Brian, I got to find Jesse before they do. - I'm all the kid's got. - I'll call in the plates. PD will pick him up way before Johnny even gets near him. - Move your car. - Dom, stop it! It's over. Please. Mia, stay out of it! (..)2001 The Fast and the Furious