diff --git a/metakernel/replwrap.py b/metakernel/replwrap.py
index 4de060e..7913d85 100644
--- a/metakernel/replwrap.py
+++ b/metakernel/replwrap.py
@@ -109,7 +109,6 @@ def sendline(self, line):
             self.child.readline()
 
     def set_prompt(self, prompt_regex, prompt_change_cmd):
-        self.child.expect(prompt_regex)
         self.sendline(prompt_change_cmd)
         self.prompt_change_cmd = prompt_change_cmd