point-blank
1. adjective At an extremely close distance, such that a projectile is very unlikely to miss and will deal the maximum amount of damage possible. The fact that he was shot at point-blank range suggests the perpetrator was easily able to get close.
2. adjective Resolute and inflexible. The suspect gave a point-blank denial of having anything to do with the robbery.
3. adjective Blunt; direct and to the point. She made a point-blank accusation, without softening it in any way.
4. adverb Resolutely and inflexibly. The boss refused point-blank to give me extra time off to help care for my sick mother.
5. adverb Bluntly; directly and to the point. For all his faults, at least John will ask point-blank when he needs something from you, rather than dancing around the issue like most people.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
point-blank
1. If you say something point-blank, you say it very directly and firmly, without explaining or apologizing. The army apparently refused point-blank to do what was required of them. Mr Patterson was asked point blank if he would resign. Note: Point-blank is also an adjective. We received a point-blank refusal.
2. If someone or something is shot point-blank, they are shot when the gun is touching them or extremely close to them. He fired point-blank at Bernadette. Note: Point-blank is also an adjective. He had been shot at point-blank range in the back of the head.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012