I really don’t feel good about matching wits with you, an unarmed man.
No, the cliches don't work so well for you, unfortunately. But I admire the attempt. You are clearly working very hard at this and I must give you the A for effort, at least.
It takes some practice to perfect the backhanded complement. It's really what separates the champion from the amateur. If I may continue the tennis analogy, so many think they are professionals if they can master the serve, but the game is won in the volley. Or, more effectively, in making your opponent turn to one side and then, quickly, the other.
At some point, he simply becomes tired over the long game.