diff --git a/highlighters/main/main-highlighter.zsh b/highlighters/main/main-highlighter.zsh
index 50415d8..3171c20 100644
--- a/highlighters/main/main-highlighter.zsh
+++ b/highlighters/main/main-highlighter.zsh
@@ -923,7 +923,7 @@ _zsh_highlight_main_highlighter_expand_path()
   # The $~1 syntax normally performs filename generation, but not when it's on the right-hand side of ${x:=y}.
   setopt localoptions nonomatch
   unset REPLY
-  : ${REPLY:=${(Q)~1}}
+  : ${REPLY:=${(Q)${~1}}}
 }
 
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