"Point-blank range" refers to a distance in shooting or firing from which a firearm can hit a target with accuracy without needing any significant adjustment in aim. This distance is usually very short, making it easier to hit a target effectively.
In the English language, "point-blank range" is commonly used in contexts related to firearms, military, law enforcement, and hunting. The term is also used metaphorically to indicate a direct confrontation or statement that leaves little room for evasion or misunderstanding.
It is used with moderate frequency but is more prevalent in written contexts, especially in articles, books about firearms, law enforcement reports, or discussions about combat tactics.
The sniper took the shot from point-blank range, ensuring a clean hit.
Снайпер выстрелил с точки нажатия, гарантируя чистое попадание.
In an emergency, it is often necessary to confront a problem at point-blank range.
В экстренной ситуации часто необходимо столкнуться с проблемой в лоб.
While "point-blank range" itself is a specific term, the concept of "point-blank" often appears in phrases relating to directness or bluntness. Here are some examples:
He said it to her at point-blank range, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Он сказал это ей в лоб, оставив место для неправильного понимания.
The politician's point-blank refusal to answer the question raised eyebrows among the audience.
Категорический отказ политика ответить на вопрос вызвал недоумение среди зрителей.
She confronted him at point-blank range about his dishonesty during the meeting.
Она напрямую спросила его о его нечестности во время встречи.
The term combines "point," which has various meanings, including a specific location (from Old French "point" and Latin "punctum"), "blank," meaning empty or without content (from Middle English "blanque" and Old French "blan"), and "range," which comes from Old French "range" meaning 'to arrange' or 'to place (in some area or category). "Point-blank" literally suggests a direct line of shooting, where "blank" refers to the lack of distance that would necessitate adjustments in aim.
Synonyms:
- Close range
- Direct line of fire
Antonyms:
- Long range
- Distant shooting