on one's plate en · ADP
Etymology
From the metaphor of an amount of food ready to be eaten.
Meanings
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(of one or more matters of concern) To be dealt with or handled.
The only major case we had on our plate was in The Netherlands, of all places.
2009, Robert Van Voren, On Dissidents and Madness, page 239:"Sorry, Dave," says Bryan, tossing his notes onto Bliss's desk. "But this one's down to you. I've already got half a dozen blaggings on my plate thanks to our Muslim mates.”
2007, James Hawkins, Deadly Sin, page 176:The Concern Channel will tell you about learning to deal only with the significant, legitimate problems that are on your plate today — not what may be on your plate tomorrow.
2009, Joseph J. Luciani, Reconnecting: A Self-Coaching Solution to Revive Your Love Life, page 126:I can't take on any more work. I already have enough on my plate.
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, plate.
I put too much food on my plate — but it would be rude not to finish it now!
Coordinates
Relateds
on a plate · irons in the fire · wear too many hats · too many balls in the air · spin plates
Translations (2)
pl na głowie (Translations) · es entre manos (Translations)