P.P., you've reminded me of a quip I heard somewhere once.
ATC: "XYZ123, descend 7000, reduce speed 210kts......range 35 miles,sorry about the late call, "
XYZ123: "Ummmm......we can't do both"
ATC: "Can't you use your speed brakes?"
XYZ123: "Ummmmm.....they're for our mistakes, not yours!!!"