Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“In tough times, my friends always step up to the plate.”
- Actress Jennifer Garner on friendship. (People)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
accept a responsibility or challenge
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
Jennifer Garner and her husband Ben Affleck love to watch their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, play baseball. On game days, they’re often seen in the stands, cheering for the players. So it’s not surprising to hear Jennifer use a slang expression that comes from baseball.
In baseball, when a player steps up to the plate, he gets into position to hit the ball. The plate in this case is home plate. When it’s his turn to swing, a player will stand on home plate, raise his bat, and wait for the pitcher to throw him the ball. Hopefully, he’ll score a point by hitting a home run, or at least make it to first base.
But you don’t have to be a baseball player to step up to the plate. Whenever you take on a responsibility or meet a challenge, you’re stepping up to the plate. Jennifer Garner says that her friends always step up to the plate and support her whenever she’s going through a hard time. It sounds like they’re the kind of friends who would make great teammates.
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“When my mother got sick, my dad really stepped up to the plate and took care of us kids.”
“Christy always steps up to the plate when there is an important project to do the office.”
“Thanks for stepping up to the plate last week. You’re always there for me when I need you.”