point-blank

Meanings

Adjective

• very close; not touching but not more than a few metres (yards).
• the distance between a firearm and a target where a projectile in flight is expected to strike the centre of the target without adjusting the elevation of the firearm.
• Disconcertingly straightforward or blunt; outright.

Adverb

• In a direct manner, without hesitation.

Origin

• French point blanc, white point, originally referring to the white spot to be aimed at on a target (see blank's "bull's eye").