He lands few blows, and he wears out his own image as a good-natured idealist.
He doesn't land many blows.
He landed many blows, thereby reinforcing his image as a good-natured idealist.
I do have friends that I love.
Oh shit, I never got the list!
A runner runs down the street
You would die if you lost a kidney.
The woman is playing the guitar.
A women is sitting outdoor and watching others play ball.