Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Historians are eagerly waiting for a ___________ in the quest of deciphering the Indus Valley script so that they can arrive at a holistic understanding of the civilisation.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → break through
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
Historians are waiting for a major advance in deciphering the Indus Valley script.
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) break off | to stop something suddenly or to separate a part from something. It does not mean an advance. | The two countries broke off talks after the attack. |
| (2) break through (answer) | to make an important discovery or advance after a long effort. The noun is written as one word, breakthrough. | After years of work, the team finally broke through in its search for a vaccine. |
| (3) break into | to enter a place by force or to begin doing something suddenly. It does not suit the quest to decipher a script. | Thieves broke into the shop at night. |
| (4) break out | to begin suddenly (a war, a fire, a disease) or to escape. It cannot mean a helpful discovery. | A fire broke out in the market late at night. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): break off – 06-06-2026 Slot 1, 26-05-2026 Slot 1, 08-06-2023 Slot 3, 22-05-2023 Slot 1 |