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]
(..) I'm hurryin', I'm hurryin'! No, go! Go! Go! I'm goin', I'm goin'! License plate number --zebra... baker. That's right. Hold on one second. Just now. (..)1993 Free Willy