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]
(..) - How did you get in there? - I picked the lock, sir. What were you looking for, huh? Money? Are you on dope again? No, sir. I wanted to show my girlfriend your Nazi plate. A girlfriend? Yes, sir. She lives next door. This is for your own good, boy. You have no respect for other (..)1999 American Beauty