step up to the plate
idiomatic 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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