diff --git a/builtin/merge.c b/builtin/merge.c
index 9effed7ff1..c638fd5a9a 100644
--- a/builtin/merge.c
+++ b/builtin/merge.c
@@ -894,6 +894,7 @@ static int suggest_conflicts(void)
 
 	append_conflicts_hint(&msgbuf);
 	fputs(msgbuf.buf, fp);
+	strbuf_release(&msgbuf);
 	fclose(fp);
 	rerere(allow_rerere_auto);
 	printf(_("Automatic merge failed; "