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to have a lot on one's plate
01
to have a certain amount of tasks or problems that need to be dealt with
![to [have] (a lot|too much) on {one's} plate definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/19622/original/multitask?type=jpeg "to [have] (a lot|too much) on {one's} plate definition and meaning")
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "have something on one's plate" and when to use it?
The phrase "have something on one's plate" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century and is a reference to the idea of a plate being a metaphorical representation of one's workload or responsibilities. It is used to describe a situation where someone has a lot of tasks, responsibilities, or problems to deal with.
Examples
I ca n't take on any more work right now -- I already have a lot on my plate.
