diff --git a/copybot.py b/copybot.py
index 7093bba5..02cbd27e 100644
--- a/copybot.py
+++ b/copybot.py
@@ -1499,7 +1499,7 @@ class Copybot:
             sz_cap = p.get("sz") or p.get("shares_req") or float("inf")
             filled = min(matched, sz_cap)
             if filled <= 0 and not order_view:
-                # the exchange no longer knows the order — ONLY then is the
+                # the exchange no longer knows the order - ONLY then is the
                 # balance diff worth consulting (a definitive killed/0 answer
                 # above means unfilled, full stop)
                 try:
@@ -1509,6 +1509,25 @@ class Copybot:
                     filled = min(max(diff, 0.0), sz_cap)
                 except Exception:
                     pass
+            # ponytail: in-play orders can fill between the cancel and the
+            # status check above - the exchange reports 0 matched but the
+            # fill already hit the chain. Re-query the order ONE more time
+            # after cancel settles; if matched is still 0 but our cost was
+            # deducted from chain pUSD, adopt it as a fill (the CASH≠CHAIN
+            # alarm is the symptom this prevents). Ceiling: this adds one
+            # extra get_order + one get_balance_allowance per expired pending.
+            if filled <= 0.01 and p.get("order_id"):
+                try:
+                    o2 = ex.client.get_order(order_id=p["order_id"])
+                    m2 = float(o2.size_matched or 0)
+                    if m2 > 0:
+                        filled = min(m2, sz_cap)
+                        px = float(o2.price or px)
+                        log(f"pending adopted late fill: {p['outcome']} · "
+                            f"{p['title'][:40]} - {filled:.2f} sh @ {px:.3f} "
+                            f"(matched after cancel)")
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
             if filled <= 0.01:
                 log(f"pending expired unfilled: {p['outcome']} · {p['title'][:40]}")
                 if p["side"] == "BUY" and not p.get("is_add"):