Which of these should be filled at (1) as per the context of the passage?

The correct answer is option 3) i.e. Rather.

Key Points

• The context tells us about a phrase that we often hear but don't have any actual idea about it.
• The word that must fit the blank should be an adverb as an adverb can qualify another adverb (often).
• Rather (adverb): quite; to some extent.
• 'fair' and 'reluctant' are adjectives and 'quit' is a verb. Hence, they are grammatically incorrect in this context.

The correct sentence is – “The phrase we can hear rather often but do not have…"

Additional Information

•  The meanings of the rest of the options are given below:
  • Fair: appropriate and acceptable in a particular situation.
  • Quit: to leave a job, etc. or to go away from a place.
  • Reluctant: not wanting to do something because you are not sure it is the right thing to do.