diff --git a/Lib/ssl.py b/Lib/ssl.py
index ff363c75e7d..c4c5a4ca894 100644
--- a/Lib/ssl.py
+++ b/Lib/ssl.py
@@ -1021,7 +1021,11 @@ class SSLSocket(socket):
                     self.close()
                 except OSError:
                     pass
-                raise notconn_pre_handshake_data_error
+                try:
+                    raise notconn_pre_handshake_data_error
+                finally:
+                    # Explicitly break the reference cycle.
+                    notconn_pre_handshake_data_error = None
         else:
             connected = True