diff --git a/Tools/clinic/clinic.py b/Tools/clinic/clinic.py
index 221327de8af92d..726ebc04f55bd5 100755
--- a/Tools/clinic/clinic.py
+++ b/Tools/clinic/clinic.py
@@ -798,8 +798,8 @@ def output_templates(
     ) -> dict[str, str]:
         parameters = list(f.parameters.values())
         assert parameters
-        assert isinstance(parameters[0].converter, self_converter)
-        del parameters[0]
+        first_param = parameters.pop(0)
+        assert isinstance(first_param.converter, self_converter)
         requires_defining_class = False
         if parameters and isinstance(parameters[0].converter, defining_class_converter):
             requires_defining_class = True