plate (redirected from platefuls)

give/hand something to someone on a plate

to let someone get something very easily, without having to work for it. You can't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate - you've got to make a bit of effort.

See also: give, hand

have a lot/enough on your plate

to have a lot of work to do or a lot of problems to deal with. I don't want to burden my daughter with my problems; she's got enough on her plate with her husband in prison. Simon can't take on any more work. He's got his plate full as it is.

See also: enough, lot

someone's head on a plate/platter

if you want someone's head on a plate you are very angry with them and want them to be punished. The director was furious at what had happened and wanted Watt's head on a platter.

See also: head, platter

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a full plate

a lot of work to do or problems to deal with. Facing funding cuts and a lawsuit challenging the school's admissions policy, the university's new president has a full plate.

See also: full

step up to the plate

to take responsibility for doing something. It is time companies stepped up to the plate and made sure the meat they sell is safe to eat.

step in

Etymology: based on the baseball meaning of step up to the plate (= move into position to hit the ball)

See also: step