have a lot on (one's) plate

have a lot on (one's) plate

To have a lot to do. I just have a lot on my plate right now while I'm finishing up my degree and doing this huge project for work.See also: have, lot, on, plate

have a lot on one's plate

Also, have too much on one's plate. Have a great deal (or too much) to cope with, as in What with the new baby and the new house, they have a lot on their plate, or I can't take that on now; I've got too much on my plate already. This expression transfers a loaded or overloaded dinner plate to other activities. [First half of 1900s] See also: have, lot, on, plate

have enough, a lot, etc. on your ˈplate

(informal) have enough, a lot of things, etc. to do or be responsible for: I can’t help you next week, I’ve got too much on my plate. ♢ She has a lot on her plate at the moment; that’s why she looks so worried all the time.See also: have, on, plate