diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/complete2.py b/src/calibre/gui2/complete2.py
index 7c98e6477c..d19e9aaff4 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/complete2.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/complete2.py
@@ -257,6 +257,7 @@ class LineEdit(QLineEdit, LineEditECM):
         QLineEdit.__init__(self, parent)
 
         self.sep = ','
+        self.eat_focus_out = False
         self.space_before_sep = False
         self.add_separator = True
         self.original_cursor_pos = None
@@ -302,9 +303,15 @@ class LineEdit(QLineEdit, LineEditECM):
         if not self.mcompleter.model().current_items:
             self.mcompleter.hide()
             return
+        self.eat_focus_out = True
         self.mcompleter.popup(select_first=select_first)
         self.mcompleter.scroll_to(orig)
 
+    def focusOutEvent(self, ev):
+        if not self.eat_focus_out:
+            QLineEdit.focusOutEvent(self, ev)
+        self.eat_focus_out = False
+
     def relayout(self):
         self.mcompleter.popup()