At close range, full stop and space (5-5)

I believe the answer is:

point-blank

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'at close range' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'full stop and space' is the wordplay.
'full stop' becomes 'point' (synonyms).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'space' becomes 'blank' (synonyms).
'point'+'blank'='POINT-BLANK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for point-blank that I've seen is " Abrupt, direct".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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