diff --git a/trunk/src/or/main.c b/trunk/src/or/main.c
index c6770aa853..039c6f0baf 100644
--- a/trunk/src/or/main.c
+++ b/trunk/src/or/main.c
@@ -310,6 +310,7 @@ static void run_connection_housekeeping(int i, time_t now) {
      conn->timestamp_created + 5*60 < now) {
     log_fn(LOG_INFO,"Expiring wedged directory conn (purpose %d)", conn->purpose);
     connection_mark_for_close(conn,0);
+    conn->hold_open_until_flushed = 1; /* give it a last chance */
     return;
   }