Step up to the plate
verb phrase
To accept a challenge or responsibility.
When the manager resigned, Michael stepped up to the plate and took over.
Often appears as...
- step up to the plate for
- step up to the plate and
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In baseball, to walk towards the home plate to bat.
The crowd cheered as their favorite player stepped up to the plate.
Often appears as...
- step up to the plate and swing
- step up to the plate for the team
verb phrase
To accept a challenge or responsibility.
When the manager resigned, Michael stepped up to the plate and took over.
Often appears as...
- step up to the plate for
- step up to the plate and
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In baseball, to walk towards the home plate to bat.
The crowd cheered as their favorite player stepped up to the plate.
Often appears as...
- step up to the plate and swing
- step up to the plate for the team
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
Used metaphorically to mean accepting a challenge, not just in baseball.
After our project leader left, Lisa really stepped up to the plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Initiative Highlight
Emphasizes the person's willingness to act without being asked.
With the community in need, volunteers stepped up to the plate to help.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Signal
Suggests a person is taking a leadership role in a difficult situation.
During the crisis, the young senator stepped up to the plate.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
Used metaphorically to mean accepting a challenge, not just in baseball.
After our project leader left, Lisa really stepped up to the plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Initiative Highlight
Emphasizes the person's willingness to act without being asked.
With the community in need, volunteers stepped up to the plate to help.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Signal
Suggests a person is taking a leadership role in a difficult situation.
During the crisis, the young senator stepped up to the plate.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
Used metaphorically to mean accepting a challenge, not just in baseball.
After our project leader left, Lisa really stepped up to the plate.
Pro Tip 2/3Initiative Highlight
Emphasizes the person's willingness to act without being asked.
With the community in need, volunteers stepped up to the plate to help.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Signal
Suggests a person is taking a leadership role in a difficult situation.
During the crisis, the young senator stepped up to the plate.
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