diff --git a/src/libdraw/x11-itrans.c b/src/libdraw/x11-itrans.c
index 8b1c1376..041580ad 100644
--- a/src/libdraw/x11-itrans.c
+++ b/src/libdraw/x11-itrans.c
@@ -374,6 +374,12 @@ _xgetsnarf(XDisplay *xd)
 	XWindow w;
 
 	qlock(&clip.lk);
+	/*
+	 * Have we snarfed recently and the X server hasn't caught up?
+	 */
+	if(_x.putsnarf != _x.assertsnarf)
+		goto mine;
+
 	/*
 	 * Is there a primary selection (highlighted text in an xterm)?
 	 */