Someone whose reputation preceeds them; A larger than life figure

Westerner

tempt, egg on

An amateur attempt

Spare the rod, and spoil the child

pteridophyte; ferns

earlobe

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

to follow; to acquiese

To talk circles around someone

To speak with forked tongue; To talk out both sides of your mouth

A hedge between keeps friendship green

That's right up my alley

There's always somebody worse

To give someone the VIP treatment

(do something) before you can say 〇〇

You can't argue with the facts

To talk behind someone's back

At a loss for words

rosewood

To stomp your foot in anger/regret