We use this expression to have a lot of things to deal with at the moment.
You can use this phrase in ………… language.
Spoken
Informal
Example 1
A: I cannot ask Mary for help, that’s not an option.
B: Why? She’s never said no when we needed her.
A: She has a lot on her plate already being unemployed and having a sick kid.
Example 2
A:Hey! You’ll never believe what I’ve just heard about our new boss!
B: I don’t want to listen to your gossiping right now. I have enough on my plate. If I’m not finished by the end of the day with this, I will have no boss.