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]
(..) Fine, everybody is great. Doing fine. Good. How about work? Busy. Yeah, I suppose... In fact, um, speaking of busy. I got a lot on my plate right now, so if it is not something pressing. No, not it all. Why don't you call me this weekend? Sure. Ok, It was nice talking to you. Thanks for (..)2008 Gran Torino