diff --git a/frontend/src/App.vue b/frontend/src/App.vue
index 9e95deb..b1660db 100644
--- a/frontend/src/App.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/App.vue
@@ -52,16 +52,18 @@ function onGlobalKeydown(e: KeyboardEvent) {
     return;
   }
 
-  // Escape — close shortcuts overlay OR navigate home
+  // Escape — progressive: close overlay → unfocus field → go home
   if (e.key === "Escape") {
     clearPrefix();
     if (showShortcuts.value) {
       closeShortcuts();
       return;
     }
-    if (!isInputActive()) {
-      router.push("/");
+    if (isInputActive()) {
+      (document.activeElement as HTMLElement).blur();
+      return;
     }
+    router.push("/");
     return;
   }
 
@@ -173,7 +175,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => {
               </div>
               <div class="shortcut-row">
                 <kbd class="shortcut-key">Esc</kbd>
-                <span class="shortcut-desc">Go home (when not typing)</span>
+                <span class="shortcut-desc">Unfocus field → go home</span>
               </div>
               <div class="shortcut-row">
                 <kbd class="shortcut-key">?</kbd>