diff --git a/src/keyboard.c b/src/keyboard.c
index e8701b8870..5f92807087 100644
--- a/src/keyboard.c
+++ b/src/keyboard.c
@@ -2678,7 +2678,8 @@ read_char (int commandflag, Lisp_Object map,
       && !EQ (XCAR (prev_event), Qmenu_bar)
       && !EQ (XCAR (prev_event), Qtool_bar)
       /* Don't bring up a menu if we already have another event.  */
-      && !CONSP (Vunread_command_events))
+      && !CONSP (Vunread_command_events)
+      && menu_items_used > MENU_ITEMS_PANE_LENGTH)
     {
       c = read_char_x_menu_prompt (map, prev_event, used_mouse_menu);
 
-- 
2.14.2