point-blank

A point-blank shot is fired from very near its target, and a point-blank statement is blunt and straightforward. During an old-fashioned gun duel, people would settle an argument by shooting at each other point-blank.

The original meaning of point-blank, "close enough to hit the center of the target," definitely comes from French, although its origin is a bit of a mystery. Some think the source is point blanc, "white point," referring to the white circle in the middle of a target. Others believe it stems from de pointe en blanc, "point in empty space," used to describe a test shot fired into the air.

Definitions of point-blank

1. adjective

   close enough to go straight to the target
   “point-blank range”

   “a point-blank shot”

   synonyms:

   direct

   direct in spatial dimensions; proceeding without deviation or interruption; straight and short
2. adjective

   characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
   “a point-blank accusation”

   synonyms: blunt, candid, forthright, frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, straight-from-the-shoulder

   direct

   straightforward in means or manner or behavior or language or action
3. adverb

   in a direct and unequivocal manner
   “I asked him point-blank whether he wanted the job”