diff --git a/libbb/lineedit.c b/libbb/lineedit.c
index 3961b1de3..720a4951e 100644
--- a/libbb/lineedit.c
+++ b/libbb/lineedit.c
@@ -2611,7 +2611,7 @@ int FAST_FUNC read_line_input(line_input_t *st, const char *prompt, char *comman
 			 * standard readline bindings (IOW: bash) do.
 			 * Often, Alt-<key> generates ESC-<key>.
 			 */
-			ic = lineedit_read_key(read_key_buffer, timeout);
+			ic = lineedit_read_key(read_key_buffer, 50);
 			switch (ic) {
 				//case KEYCODE_LEFT: - bash doesn't do this
 				case 'b':