diff --git a/tests/test_rule_usage_wiring.py b/tests/test_rule_usage_wiring.py
index eff499e..6b466ae 100644
--- a/tests/test_rule_usage_wiring.py
+++ b/tests/test_rule_usage_wiring.py
@@ -508,7 +508,12 @@ async def test_the_prompt_arm_says_nothing_when_asked_nothing():
         stack.enter_context(patch.object(pc, "record_rule_surfaced", MagicMock()))
         out = await pc.build_prompt_rule_hint(1, "   ")
 
-    assert out == {"context": "", "rule_ids": [], "checkpoint": {}}
+    # NO `checkpoint` KEY, and that is the distinction rather than an
+    # oversight (#4214). The two ACT arms can hold a call because there is
+    # a composed act to hold; this arm fires on the operator's message,
+    # before anything has been decided, so there is nothing to put a rule
+    # in front of. A checkpoint here would have to guess at an act.
+    assert out == {"context": "", "rule_ids": []}
     search.assert_not_called()
     log.assert_not_called()