ask someone 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.

See also: ask

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’.

See also: ask, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017