This phrase usually has a negative tone as used. At least slightly. Why? It seems like having a lot on one’s plate would be a good thing. I suspect that it’s origin is something other than supper related.
Peace,
mangeorge
“A lot on your plate” implies it will take a while to eat it all, and you will likely be stuffed when you finish, so you cannot take on anything more.
Did you hear about the giant that had property on his dentures?
Well normally you’d want to finish everything on your plate, right?
In a work environment having a lot on your plate means you’ve got a lot of work to finish.
Right, and it often insinuates (or even states) that you likely will not be able to pay enough attention to it all. It can mean that you’re not up to the job.
You sound fat.