Definition & Meaning of "Have a lot on plate"

have a lot on one's plate

/hav ɐ lˈɒt ɔː tˈuː mʌtʃ ˌɒn wˈɒnz plˈeɪt/

/hæv ɐ lˈɑːt ɔːɹ tˈuː mʌtʃ ˌɑːn wˈʌnz plˈeɪt/

to have a lot on one's plate

PHRASE

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

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.