ask (one) point-blank
ask (one) point-blank
To ask one something in a blunt and direct manner. For all his faults, at least John will ask you point-blank when he needs something, rather than dancing around the issue like most people. A: "I heard suspenseful music—what did I miss?" B: "The detective asked the suspect point-blank if he was involved with the bank robbery!" Wow, I can't believe you just asked him point-blank if he's cheating on you.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
ask (or tell, etc.) someone point-blank
ask (or tell, etc.) someone something very directly, abruptly, or rudely. In its literal sense point-blank describes a shot or bullet fired from very close to its target. One of the earliest senses of the noun blank was ‘the white spot in the centre of a target’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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