bring a plate
phrase · casual
Bring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate!
How Aussies use it
- It's a work lunch, so everyone bring a plate.
- Bring a plate if you're coming on Saturday.
How to pronounce ‘bring a plate’
Say it like this: bring uh PLAYT
‘bring a plate’ in a conversation
Manager: Friday is our team lunch. Everyone, please bring a plate.
Ali: No worries. I'll bring a salad.
Good to know
A famous trap for newcomers. If an invitation says 'bring a plate', bring a dish of food for the group.
A common mistake
Don't bring an empty plate! It means bring a dish of food to share.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use please bring a dish to share instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Quick check
What does ‘bring a plate’ mean?
- A lot, very much.
- Bring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate!
- Someone a bit uncool, silly or unfashionable, usually said with affection.
Show the answer
B. Bring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate!
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bring a plate' mean in Australia?
Bring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate! A famous trap for newcomers. If an invitation says 'bring a plate', bring a dish of food for the group.
Can I say 'bring a plate' at work?
Yes. 'bring a plate' is fine in most workplaces, in conversation and casual messages. In formal emails, reports and English tests, use more standard English.
How do you pronounce 'bring a plate'?
Say it like this: bring uh PLAYT. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.