diff --git a/bpython/cli.py b/bpython/cli.py
index 85266de..f8d653f 100644
--- a/bpython/cli.py
+++ b/bpython/cli.py
@@ -996,7 +996,7 @@ class Repl( object ):
 
     def delete( self ):
         """Process a del"""
-        if self.s: 
+        if not self.s: 
             return
 
         if self.mvc(-1):