diff --git a/lang/b/compiler/b0.c b/lang/b/compiler/b0.c
index cb28a6a3c..16fbee167 100644
--- a/lang/b/compiler/b0.c
+++ b/lang/b/compiler/b0.c
@@ -373,15 +373,7 @@ loop:
 		return subseq(c,PLUS,INCBEF);
 
 	case MINUS:
-		/* avoid peeking a name, which could overwrite
-		 * an already set bsym. */
-		if (ctab[peekc = spnextchar()] == DIGIT) {
-			getnum();
-			cval = -cval;
-			return CON;
-		} else {
-			return subseq(c,MINUS,DECBEF);
-		}
+		return subseq(c,MINUS,DECBEF);
 
 	case LESS:
 		if (subseq(c,0,1))