SarkariPYQ

SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 85

SSC MTS - 21/10/2024 - (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) • English • Q85

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In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
We are familiar with the quote, ' 'If winter comes, can spring be far ___1___?' Winters are depressing, but we bear because we know that it will not ___2___ till perpetuity. Spring ___3___ a new life in us. As the spring begins to set itself, the nights become shorter and the days get longer. Gardens and lawns become colourful, buds ___4___ as flowers, birds chirp and butterflies fly from one flower to another to ___5____ on the sweet nectar. The dullness is taken over by brightness.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. behind.

Context: The passage refers to the famous quote, 'If winter comes, can spring be far behind?' Here, the word behind correctly completes the idiomatic expression.

Meaning of the words:

  • behind – correctly completes the quote and conveys that spring will inevitably follow winter

  • far behind – redundant in this context, not part of the original idiom

  • behind and far – grammatically incorrect

  • behind and below – incorrect phrase

Correct word: behind

Final Sentence: We are familiar with the quote, 'If winter comes, can spring be far behind?'

Hence, the chosen option is correct.