step up to the plate

phrase

baseball

: to move into position next to home plate in order to bat

In April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in New York City.

—Nelida Gonzalez Cutler

—often used figuratively in U.S. English to refer to showing readiness to meet a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)

If you want this promotion, you're going to have to step up to the plate.

"The mother either needs to continue to be the disciplinarian or get the father to step up to the plate and be a team player."

—Barbara Lewin

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for step up to the plate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate