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]
(..) you can tell everyone to go to the devil... ...as you've always said you wanted to. But you were the main one I wanted to go to the devil. Don't scrape the plate, Scarlett. I'm sure there's more in the kitchen. Oh, Rhett, can I have one of those chocolate ones stuffed with meringue? (..)1939 Gone with the Wind
(..) It's a pity he can't marry her now. At least, there'd be one less mouth to feed. Oh, another one. I hope this one isn't hungry. He'll be hungry. I'll tell Prissy to get an extra plate.... Ashley! Ashley! Darling! Miss Scarlett! Don't spoil it, Miss Scarlett. Turn me loose, you fool! (..)1939 Gone with the Wind