on one's plate

English

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

(of one or more matters of concern) To be dealt with or handled.
Coordinate term: on the table

I can't take on any more work. I already have enough on my plate.
- 2007, James Hawkins, Deadly Sin, page 176:
  "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.”
- 2009, Joseph J. Luciani, Reconnecting: A Self-Coaching Solution to Revive Your Love Life, page 126:
  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.
- 2009, Robert Van Voren, On Dissidents and Madness, page 239:
  The only major case we had on our plate was in The Netherlands, of all places.
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on,‎ plate.
I put too much food on my plate — but it would be rude not to finish it now!