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]
(..) What time does our train arrive? . You know what I'm gonna have for breakfast? BUTCH: What, lemon pie? I'm gonna order a big plate... of blueberry pancakes with maple syrup... eggs over easy, and five sausages. Anything to drink with that? (..)1994 Pulp Fiction