diff --git a/screen_locker/tests/test_temperature.py b/screen_locker/tests/test_temperature.py
index 56fb92b..7b97a8a 100644
--- a/screen_locker/tests/test_temperature.py
+++ b/screen_locker/tests/test_temperature.py
@@ -138,11 +138,13 @@ class TestNothingEscapesTheFetch:
     def test_the_whole_check_is_bounded_by_the_hard_timeout(self) -> None:
         """The user's requirement: at most 5s, then lock regardless.
 
-        The bound is the default argument, so it is pinned to 5s here and the
-        mechanism is timed at 0.1s: the same guarantee without 5 real seconds.
+        The bound is the default argument, so it is pinned to at most 5s here
+        and the mechanism is timed at 0.1s: the same guarantee without 5 real
+        seconds.
         """
         default = signature(fetch_current_temp_with_status).parameters["hard_timeout"]
-        assert default.default == HARD_TIMEOUT_SECONDS == 5.0
+        assert default.default == HARD_TIMEOUT_SECONDS
+        assert HARD_TIMEOUT_SECONDS <= 5.0
         hang = threading.Event()
         with patch(
             "screen_locker._temperature._fetch_current_temp_celsius_unbounded",