diff --git a/patch.man b/patch.man
index c5cc5c4..e8bd6fa 100644
--- a/patch.man
+++ b/patch.man
@@ -445,8 +445,8 @@ This option implies \fB\*=forward\fP and does not take the
 Interpret the patch file as a normal diff.
 .TP
 \fB\-N\fP  or  \fB\*=forward\fP
-Ignore patches that seem to be reversed or already applied. It is only checked if
-the first hunk of a patch can be reversed.
+When a patch does not apply, patch usually checks if the patch looks like it
+has been reversed.  The \fB\*=forward\fP option prevents that.
 See also
 .BR \-R .
 .TP