diff --git a/t/t1403-show-ref.sh b/t/t1403-show-ref.sh
index 9d698b3cc3..9da3650e91 100755
--- a/t/t1403-show-ref.sh
+++ b/t/t1403-show-ref.sh
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ test_expect_success 'show-ref --verify with dangling ref' '
 
 	remove_object() {
 		file=$(sha1_file "$*") &&
-		test -e "$file" &&
+		test_path_is_file "$file" &&
 		rm -f "$file"
 	} &&