diff --git a/python/educational-core/student/src/com/jetbrains/edu/learning/core/EduAnswerPlaceholderPainter.java b/python/educational-core/student/src/com/jetbrains/edu/learning/core/EduAnswerPlaceholderPainter.java
index 3dcdb43c64a4..5c83a89af989 100644
--- a/python/educational-core/student/src/com/jetbrains/edu/learning/core/EduAnswerPlaceholderPainter.java
+++ b/python/educational-core/student/src/com/jetbrains/edu/learning/core/EduAnswerPlaceholderPainter.java
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@ public class EduAnswerPlaceholderPainter {
   }
 
   public static void drawAnswerPlaceholderFromPrevStep(@NotNull Editor editor, @NotNull AnswerPlaceholder placeholder) {
+    if (placeholder.getUseLength()) {
+      return;
+    }
     EditorColorsScheme scheme = EditorColorsManager.getInstance().getGlobalScheme();
     Color color = scheme.getColor(EditorColors.TEARLINE_COLOR);
     SimpleTextAttributes attributes = SimpleTextAttributes.GRAY_ATTRIBUTES;