hand (something) to (someone) on a plate

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hand (something) to (someone) on a plate

To give or relinquish something to someone very easily, without them having to work very hard to get or achieve it. The team's defense has been atrocious today, handing a victory to their opponents on a plate. If we can get the government to subsidize our project, we'll have our yearly earnings handed to us on a plate.

See also: hand, on, plate

hand something to somebody on a ˈplate

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hand somebody something on a ˈplate

(informal) give something to somebody without the person concerned having to make any effort to get it: She was handed the job on a plate. Somebody just telephoned her one afternoon and asked her if she’d like to work for the BBC. ♢ A contract’s not just going to be handed to you on a plate, you know. You have to earn it.

See also: hand, on, plate, somebody, something