point-blank • adj. & adv. (of a shot, bullet, or other missile) fired from very close to its target. ∎  [as adj.] (of the range of a shot, bullet, or other missile) so close as to allow no possibility of missing: the weapon was inaccurate beyond point-blank range. ∎  (of a statement or question) blunt and direct; without explanation or qualification: [as adj.] this point-blank refusal to discuss the issue | [as adv.] he refuses point-blank to be photographed or give interviews.

point-blank referring to a shot or bullet fired from very close to its target (blank probably ‘the white spot in the centre of a target’).
ask someone point-blank ask directly.