The phrase "hadst full plate" is an archaic way of saying "you have a lot on your plate". The word "hadst" is the second person singular past tense form of "have" in Middle English. It is pronounced as /hædst/ in IPA transcription, with the 'a' sound resembling the vowel sound in "cat". The word "full" is pronounced as /fʊl/ with the 'u' sound resembling the vowel sound in "put". Finally, "plate" is pronounced as /pleɪt/ with the 'ay' sound resembling the vowel sound in "day".
"Hadst full plate" is an idiomatic phrase derived from Middle English, where "hadst" is the second-person singular past tense of the verb "have" and "full plate" refers to a plate full of food. In a broader sense, the phrase implies a situation or circumstance in which a person already has numerous responsibilities, tasks, or commitments to attend to.
The phrase "hadst full plate" typically conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or burdened with an excessive workload or obligations. It implies that an individual is already dealing with a substantial amount of work or responsibilities, leaving them little time or capacity to handle additional tasks or requests. Metaphorically, it represents a plate that is overflowing with food, suggestive of being unable to accommodate any more.
This expression is often used to convey sympathy or understanding towards an individual who is experiencing a high level of pressure or stress due to their workload. It can also be used to describe situations where a person is juggling multiple roles or commitments simultaneously, such as balancing work, family, and personal life. In such instances, the phrase highlights the individual's limited capacity to take on new responsibilities or obligations. Overall, "hadst full plate" serves as a metaphorical representation of being overwhelmed with tasks or responsibilities, reflecting the limitations and constraints of an individual's time and resources.