Have a lot on your plate Meaning in English

expression

US

HAV uh LOT on yor PLAYT

UK

hav uh LOT on yaw PLAYT

Definition

To be very busy or have many tasks, responsibilities, or problems to deal with at the same time.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, idiomatic phrase. Used to express stress or busyness when someone has many things to do. Often used in response to offers for more work or invitations: "Sorry, I can't—I've got a lot on my plate." Not literal—do not use with food.

• Spanish: tener mucho en tu plato - estar muy ocupado
• Portuguese (BR): ter muita coisa para fazer - estar sobrecarregado
• Portuguese (PT): ter muito em mãos - estar sobrecarregado
• Chinese (Simplified): 事情很多 - 很忙
• Chinese (Traditional): 事情很多 - 很忙
• Hindi: बहुत सारी जिम्मेदारियाँ होना
• Arabic: مشغول جدًا - لديك الكثير من المهام
• Bengali: অনেক কাজ/দায়িত্ব থাকা - অনেক কিছু মাথায় থাকা
• Russian: дел полно - много забот
• Japanese: やることが多い - 手一杯
• Vietnamese: rất bận - có nhiều việc phải làm
• Korean: 할 일이 많다 - 정신이 없다
• Turkish: çok meşgul olmak - başında çok iş olmak
• Urdu: بہت کام ہونا - سر پر بہت کام ہونا
• Indonesian: banyak pekerjaan - sibuk sekali

Example Sentences

She has a lot on her plate with work and school right now.

basic

If you have a lot on your plate, ask for help.

basic

Tom has a lot on his plate after getting a new job.

basic

Sorry I didn't call you back—I've had a lot on my plate lately.

natural

I'd love to join the project, but I already have a lot on my plate right now.

natural

Don't give Jane any more tasks—she has a lot on her plate as it is.

natural