This week’s idiom is a commonly used expression in English: “to have a lot on one’s plate”. It is used to talk about a person who is very busy and has many things that they have to do. For example:
I’m afraid I don’t have time to write that report. I have a lot on my plate already. Maybe Lance can do it.
My sister has a lot on her plate these days. She’s got two kids, a full-time job and she does a lot of volunteer work. I don’t know how she does it all.
A: I can help you plan the office party if you want.
B: Don’t you have a lot on your plate already with the ABC project?
A: Well, I’m a little busy with that, but I still have time to help you.
This expression can be used in both work and free time situations, so it’s quite flexible.
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