We're into the confrontation now.

I'd say it's a hunk of meat rather than a bone.

The instructor stared at me with cold, cut-me-no-slack determination, then got into a fighting stance, holding one hand out, beckoning me.
"I saw that movie too!"I said."It was like the coolest movie of all-"
He launched himself at me.
That was when his day really went downhill.

Deal with the mistakes that ruined your reputation because they are your real problems; not the ones stabbing you at the back.

the path of confrontation.

Isolate any resistance by avoiding any direct confrontation.