Meaning of 'without fail'

[ralph]

Test No. errors/advan-10 "Late at the Office", question 4

Ms Primshaw checked the book at the end of each month and without failing Mary's signature was always below the line.

(a) checked
(b) at
(c) failing
(d) below

Test No. errors/advan-10 "Late at the Office", answer 4

Ms Primshaw checked the book at the end of each month and without fail Mary's signature was always below the line.

Correct entry: fail
The error was: (c) failing
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recognizing

[Alan]

This means you could always rely on this.
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