diff --git a/backend/static/filter.js b/backend/static/filter.js
index 4e27c1e..3cddea3 100644
--- a/backend/static/filter.js
+++ b/backend/static/filter.js
@@ -106,7 +106,12 @@ function toggleConfirmRow(key, kind) {
   // unhides: it makes the announcement deterministic, keeps tab order inside
   // the confirm instead of running on into the next card, and means the row
   // cannot be opened and scrolled past unnoticed.
-  if (row && !row.hidden) row.querySelector("button").focus();
+  // The reversible rows open on their affirmative; remove opens on Cancel.
+  // Focusing the first button in DOM order would hand the irreversible action
+  // a pre-armed Enter, which is the opposite of what a confirm gate is for.
+  if (row && !row.hidden) {
+    row.querySelector(row.classList.contains("calm") ? "button" : "button + button").focus();
+  }
 }
 
 // Esc closes whichever panel this card has open and hands focus back to the