diff --git a/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/bots/merels/libraries/mechanics.py b/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/bots/merels/libraries/mechanics.py
index 4ef9c3b6..eca4e1d5 100644
--- a/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/bots/merels/libraries/mechanics.py
+++ b/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/bots/merels/libraries/mechanics.py
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ def is_jump(vpos_before, hpos_before, vpos_after, hpos_after):
 
     # If the man is in inner square, the distance must be only 1
     if [vpos_before, hpos_before] in constants.INNER_SQUARE:
-        return not (distance == 1)
+        return distance != 1
 
 
 def get_hills_numbers(grid):
diff --git a/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/lib.py b/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/lib.py
index 895ba669..e7238843 100644
--- a/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/lib.py
+++ b/zulip_bots/zulip_bots/lib.py
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ def is_private_message_but_not_group_pm(
     zulip/zulip project, so refactor with care.  See the comments in
     extract_query_without_mention.
     """
-    if not message_dict["type"] == "private":
+    if message_dict["type"] != "private":
         return False
     is_message_from_self = current_user.user_id == message_dict["sender_id"]
     recipients = [