point blank

Definition

The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.

Example Sentences

• "Here I was brought into point blank collison with Rev. Dr. Cox, who made me the subject not only of bitter remark in the convention, but also of a long denunciatory letter published in the New York Evangelist and other American papers."
• "Again I had an opportunity of asking him a point blank question, and again my delicacy prevented me from forcing another man to confide in me."