Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

have enough on one's plate / have a lot on one's plate

Idiomatic expression
hæv ɪˈnʌf ɒn wʌnz pleɪt / hæv ə lɒt ɒn wʌnz pleɪt
Definition
To have a lot of responsibilities or tasks to deal with at one time.
Examples
  • She can’t help you with your project; she already has enough on her plate.
  • After the merger, he felt like he had a lot on his plate with all the new responsibilities.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone who is already busy or burdened with commitments and may not be able to take on additional tasks.
Synonyms
  • overloaded
  • busy
  • swamped
  • overwhelmed