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]
(..) What do you want me to do? Don't pay this money. Don't. Will your husband leave us alone? Give me that. Bring some plates. Don't worry. Nothing will happen. When you revoke your complaint, we'll give you these three checks. God bless you. (..)2011 A Separation