diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
index 905039e7f4..be10aead09 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/search_box.py
@@ -109,11 +109,7 @@ class SearchBox2(QComboBox):  # {{{
             if item not in items:
                 items.append(item)
         self.addItems(items)
-        try:
-            self.line_edit.setPlaceholderText(help_text)
-        except:
-            # Using Qt < 4.7
-            pass
+        self.line_edit.setPlaceholderText(help_text)
         self.colorize = colorize
         self.clear()