diff --git a/openwhispr-ptt.py b/openwhispr-ptt.py
index 0ec52dc..e08b042 100644
--- a/openwhispr-ptt.py
+++ b/openwhispr-ptt.py
@@ -38,12 +38,18 @@ is_recording = False
 def send_whispr_toggle():
     """Send Ctrl+` to OpenWhispr via xdotool.
 
-    Uses --clearmodifiers to release any physically held keys first,
-    so the simulated Ctrl+` isn't mangled into Ctrl+Alt+`.
+    We first release Alt (which we're physically holding), send Ctrl+grave,
+    then re-press Alt. This way OpenWhispr sees clean Ctrl+` without
+    the Alt modifier corrupting it.
     """
     try:
         subprocess.run(
-            ["xdotool", "key", "--clearmodifiers", WHISPR_HOTKEY],
+            ["xdotool", "keyup", "alt"],
+            timeout=2,
+            capture_output=True,
+        )
+        subprocess.run(
+            ["xdotool", "key", WHISPR_HOTKEY],
             timeout=2,
             capture_output=True,
         )