diff --git a/examples/misc/demo_agg_filter.py b/examples/misc/demo_agg_filter.py
index f3eb95e520fd..52ba07c58219 100644
--- a/examples/misc/demo_agg_filter.py
+++ b/examples/misc/demo_agg_filter.py
@@ -213,10 +213,9 @@ def drop_shadow_line(ax):
         shadow.update_from(l)
 
         # offset transform
-        ot = mtransforms.offset_copy(l.get_transform(), ax.figure,
-                                     x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
-
-        shadow.set_transform(ot)
+        transform = mtransforms.offset_copy(l.get_transform(), ax.figure,
+                                            x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
+        shadow.set_transform(transform)
 
         # adjust zorder of the shadow lines so that it is drawn below the
         # original lines
diff --git a/examples/misc/svg_filter_line.py b/examples/misc/svg_filter_line.py
index a64b719f74df..da67250890df 100644
--- a/examples/misc/svg_filter_line.py
+++ b/examples/misc/svg_filter_line.py
@@ -41,10 +41,9 @@
     shadow.set_zorder(l.get_zorder() - 0.5)
 
     # offset transform
-    ot = mtransforms.offset_copy(l.get_transform(), fig1,
-                                 x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
-
-    shadow.set_transform(ot)
+    transform = mtransforms.offset_copy(l.get_transform(), fig1,
+                                        x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
+    shadow.set_transform(transform)
 
     # set the id for a later use
     shadow.set_gid(l.get_label() + "_shadow")
diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_agg.py b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_agg.py
index 03ec3a4177ff..d596e06bde16 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_agg.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/tests/test_agg.py
@@ -181,10 +181,9 @@ def process_image(self, padded_src, dpi):
         shadow.update_from(line)
 
         # offset transform
-        ot = mtransforms.offset_copy(line.get_transform(), ax.figure,
-                                     x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
-
-        shadow.set_transform(ot)
+        transform = mtransforms.offset_copy(line.get_transform(), ax.figure,
+                                            x=4.0, y=-6.0, units='points')
+        shadow.set_transform(transform)
 
         # adjust zorder of the shadow lines so that it is drawn below the
         # original lines