On one’s plate means ‘on one’s list of things to do; part of one’s responsibilities.’ This idiom is most often said as ‘too much on one’s plate’ or ‘a lot on one’s plate.’
Meaning of Idiom ‘Too Much On One’s Plate’
To have too much on one’s plate means to have too much to do; to have too many responsibilities or commitments; to have too much to cope with; too many things occupying one’s time. Also: a lot on one’s plate. 1,2,3
Sentence Examples
“I have too much on my plate at work right now. I’ve been working weekends for the last few weeks.”
“I can’t help you right now. I have too much on my plate.”
“Joe and Sara have a lot on their plate with the new baby.”
“Someone at work quit and they want me to take over his job. I already hve too much on my plate.”
“I’m wondering if Humphrey hasn’t got rather too much on his plate.” “I’m sure he can manage. Tremendously able.” — Yes, Prime Minister: The Key (1986)
“Everyone, just cut Judd some slack. He’s got a lot on his plate.” — This Is Where I Leave You (2014)
“He still has a congregation in the church and a lot of stuff on his plate that he still does.” — The Overnighters (2014)
“Alex has always been incredibly focused when it comes to his job and at first I just assumed he had a lot on his plate, but after a couple of weeks it became clear that it was more than that. I started to suspect he might be having an affair.” — Stargate SG-1: Ex Deus Machina (2005)
“I can’t believe mom forgot the money. She knew it was due.” “Well, you know, she’s got a lot on her plate.” — The Glades: The Naked Truth (2012)
Origin
Used since the first part of the 1900s, this idiom imagines an overloaded dinner plate and as a metaphor for too many responsibilities or activities. 4
Similar Idiom To ‘Too Much On One’s Plate’
Too Many Irons in the Fire
References
- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
- Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
- Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth M. The Wordsworth Dictionary of Idioms. Ware: Wordsworth, 1995.
- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.