point-blank

Related to point-blank: Point-blank range, Point-blank shot

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.

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.
See also:
  • bulletproof
  • muck-raking
  • a little
  • appropriate for
  • welcome to (do something)
  • welcome to do
  • milksop
  • tread tackie
  • SBD
  • as the day is long
References in periodicals archive
This strategic locational decision means that the long south elevation looks point-blank at a steep north-facing slope.
A sporting life
BRAVE PC Rathband was blinded MANIAC Gunman Raoul Moat TRAUMA Point-blank gun attack left mass of pellets lodged in PC Rathband's head
200 PELLETS .. I SHOULD HAVE DIED! X-ray reveals savagery of Moat's attack on PC
Krystal Hart, 22, was shot twice in the head at point-blank range on her doorstep.
Prescott's secretary 'executed'
The home side shaded the opening period, but were thwarted by Jalal, who kept out Jake Edwards' point-blank header, while Les Afful squandered a couple of promising openings, including a shot over the bar from six yards.
FOOTBALL: Exeter 0 Woking 0
The boy of 16 - who has not yet been named - was blasted at point-blank range with either a shotgun or a high-powered handgun in the Dingle area of Liverpool.
Boy of 16 dies after shooting
A point-blank save from Mark McRitchie prevented Buckie taking the lead in two minutes from Taylor's shot but the Forres keeper could do nothing to stop Catto netting after John Coutts' cross on 39 minutes.
HIGHLAND LEAGUE FOOTBALL : FORRES....0 BUCKIE..............2
Detectives investigating the murder of a 24-year-old man gunned down at point-blank range in his own home, yesterday confirmed they were looking at his involvement in the local drugs scene.
Drugs clue to gun murder
It means not studying the poetry and piano teacher's lessons in romanticism but the point-blank actuality that interests you more: "the woman's matted wig, her bad teeth, and her intractable bewilderment."
The Women
Millionaire farmer Richard Thomas, 58, and sister Helen, 54, were bound, gagged and shot in the head point-blank at their manor house in Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, Dyfed, in 1985.
ARREST OVER 1980S DOUBLE MURDERS; Police swoop on man, 64, after DNA probe
Both sides could have won it in the closing stages, with Rovers keeper Ryan Clarke saving a point-blank effort from sub Courtney Pitt and Dominic Roma almost heading an own goal at the other end.
Football: Bristol R 1 Boston 1
Matt Williams and Barras had earlier forced fine saves, while Saul Deeney pulled off a stunning point-blank stop to deny Scott Vernon.
Football: NOTTS CO...........1 OLDHAM............1
But with eight minutes left Parkin nodded home Ross Wallace's angled cross from point-blank range.
PARKIN'S PERFECT; COCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP ALL THE ACTION FROM LAST NIGHT'S GAMES Preston 1 D'caster 0
Shane Higgs in the Robins goal then denied Dwayne Mattis with a point-blank save.
FOOTBALL: Cheltenham 1 Bury 0
Town deserved their first-half lead, with Booth twice coming close with headers from point-blank range, and Efe Sodje also sent a header just wide of the mark.
FOOTBALL: Abbott's divine; HUDDERSFIELD.......................1 SOUTHEND.............................0
However, his shot from point-blank range was brilliantly saved by keeper Derek Souter.
Football: E STIRLING 0 ALLOA 1