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]
(..) if things had gone on that way... ...this place would have got the best of him. But then, in the spring of ... ...the powers that be decided: The roof of the license-plate factory needs resurfacing. I need a dozen volunteers for a week's work. As you know... ...special detail carries with it (..)1994 The Shawshank Redemption
(..) I hadn't planned on it. Do you mind? That's nice and ripe. Jake says thank you. Fell out of his nest over by the plate shop. I'm going to look after him until he's big enough to fly. Oh, no! Here he comes. Morning, fellas. Fine morning, isn't it? (..)1994 The Shawshank Redemption