}
Py_END_CRITICAL_SECTION();
+ .. note::
+
+ On the free-threaded build, this function can be used safely inside a
+ critical section. However, the references returned for *pkey* and *pvalue*
+ are :term:`borrowed <borrowed reference>` and are only valid while the
+ critical section is held. If you need to use these objects outside the
+ critical section or when the critical section can be suspended, create a
+ :term:`strong reference <strong reference>` (for example, using
+ :c:func:`Py_NewRef`).
.. c:function:: int PyDict_Merge(PyObject *a, PyObject *b, int override)