Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

on one's plate

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.16 in modern English

Syllables: on one's -plate
IPA

13

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

To be dealt with or handled.

prep_phrase

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, plate.

Example Sentences

"I can't take on any more work. I already have enough on my plate."
""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.”"
"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."
"The only major case we had on our plate was in The Netherlands, of all places."
"I put too much food on my plate — but it would be rude not to finish it now!"

Etymology

From the metaphor of an amount of food ready to be eaten.

Phrases

irons in the fire on a plate spin plates too many balls in the air wear too many hats

Frequently Paired Words

irons in the fire on a plate spin plates too many balls in the air wear too many hats on the table

Questions

What does on one's plate mean?: To be dealt with or handled.
Where does on one's plate come from?: From the metaphor of an amount of food ready to be eaten.

How to pronounce on one's plate

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