float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

To combine graceful or agile movement with intense physical strength or power. Coined by famed US boxer Muhammad Ali. You've got real power behind your punch, but you're too slow and clumsy on your feet. You have to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. A: "I think he should slim down—it would really make him more agile in the ring." B: "Sure. 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,' right?" Jack's a lumbering oaf who can't land a punch. I don't think "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" will ever apply to him.