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step up to the plate

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step up to the plate

 

1. Lit. [for a batter in baseball] to move near home plate in preparation for striking the ball when it is pitched. The batter stepped up to the plate and glared at the pitcher.

2. Fig. to move into a position where one is ready to do a task. It's time for Tom to step up to the plate and take on his share of work.

See also: plate, step, up

step up to the plate

to take responsibility for doing something It is time companies stepped up to the plate and made sure the meat they sell is safe to eat.

Related vocabulary: step in

Etymology: based on the baseball meaning of step up to the plate (move into position to hit the ball)

See also: plate, step, up

step up to the plate

phr. to voluntarily assume responsibility for something. (From baseball, referring to a batter approaching home plate.) The company stepped up to the plate and paid for the time and effort I spent repairing the unit.

See also: plate, step, up