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]
(..) Sir, one hand on the bottom of the cage one hand on the top. - - - I should've spotted him. - You had a lot of plates going. - Don't suppose we can do this again. - No. - So, what's the climax of our show? - Show? - You don't have a show. (..)2006 The Prestige