diff --git a/tmux.1 b/tmux.1
index a39237d5..7900ecce 100644
--- a/tmux.1
+++ b/tmux.1
@@ -1003,7 +1003,7 @@ wait for an empty line input before exiting in control mode
 .El
 .Pp
 A leading
-.Ql !
+.Ql \&!
 turns a flag off if the client is already attached.
 .Fl r
 is an alias for