This is the 16284th most frequent Russian word.
ребром
"Rebrom" (ребром) means "edgewise" or "on edge."
Here, 'ребром' is used figuratively to mean directly or in a straightforward manner, emphasizing the critical or pressing nature of the question.
Вопрос был поставлен ребром.
The question was posed directly.
In this sentence, 'ребром' refers to holding an object edgewise, describing the physical orientation or position of the knife.
Он разрезал бумагу, держа нож ребром.
He cut the paper holding the knife edgewise.
Here, 'ребром' indicates the edge of an object, specifying the manner in which the ball impacted the person.