diff --git a/tests/expressions/tests.py b/tests/expressions/tests.py
index c74ff8f30db..c6311514483 100644
--- a/tests/expressions/tests.py
+++ b/tests/expressions/tests.py
@@ -273,18 +273,17 @@ class BasicExpressionsTests(TestCase):
     def test_object_update_fk(self):
         # F expressions cannot be used to update attributes which are foreign
         # keys, or attributes which involve joins.
-        def test():
-            self.gmbh.point_of_contact = F('ceo')
+        test_gmbh = Company.objects.get(pk=self.gmbh.pk)
         msg = 'F(ceo)": "Company.point_of_contact" must be a "Employee" instance.'
         with self.assertRaisesMessage(ValueError, msg):
-            test()
+            test_gmbh.point_of_contact = F('ceo')
 
-        self.gmbh.point_of_contact = self.gmbh.ceo
-        self.gmbh.save()
-        self.gmbh.name = F('ceo__last_name')
+        test_gmbh.point_of_contact = self.gmbh.ceo
+        test_gmbh.save()
+        test_gmbh.name = F('ceo__last_name')
         msg = 'Joined field references are not permitted in this query'
         with self.assertRaisesMessage(FieldError, msg):
-            self.gmbh.save()
+            test_gmbh.save()
 
     def test_object_update_unsaved_objects(self):
         # F expressions cannot be used to update attributes on objects which do