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]
(..) - That is the last one? - Yeah. You lying son of a bitch! I hate you! Please stop feeding the dog from the table... ...from the plate on top of it. Stop it. - I have to. - You don't have to. I got to go home. What do you mean you got to go home? We got to tape this stuff to your leg. (..)1990 Goodfellas