Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Lisp error: (error "Lisp nesting exceeds `max-lisp-eval-depth'") when using cl- functions

Emacs error fix for Lisp nesting exceeds max-lisp-eval-depth

Quick Answer: Try restarting Emacs or reducing the number of cl-functions used in your code.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 🎯 Final Words

Lisp error: (error "Lisp nesting exceeds `max-lisp-eval-depth'") occurs when using CL functions in Emacs, causing a stack-overflow error.

This issue affects users of Emacs 24.3 who have recently moved computers or upgraded to the latest version.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The main reason for this error is the increased complexity of CL functions in recent versions of Emacs, which can lead to excessive Lisp nesting and exceed the maximum allowed depth.
  • Another possible cause is the interaction between certain plugins or customizations that may be affecting the behavior of CL functions.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Disable CL functions temporarily

  1. Step 1: Open Emacs and navigate to the buffer where the error occurred.
  2. Step 2: Press `Ctrl+X Ctrl+S` to save the buffer, then press `Ctrl+X Ctrl+C` to exit the editor without saving changes.
  3. Step 3: Restart Emacs with the command `M-x emacs --no-site-load-path --no-init-file` or by deleting the `.emacs.d/` directory.

Update CL functions to compatible versions

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal and run `git clone https://github.com/jwiegand/cl-libs.git` to download the latest version of cl-libs.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to the newly created directory and run `make` to build the library.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve this issue, try disabling CL functions temporarily or update them to compatible versions. If you're experiencing persistent problems, consider seeking assistance from an Emacs expert or searching for alternative solutions.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid