diff --git a/gio/gapplication.c b/gio/gapplication.c
index 4d5dc0d8a..d39d55a4d 100644
--- a/gio/gapplication.c
+++ b/gio/gapplication.c
@@ -1415,11 +1415,6 @@ g_application_class_init (GApplicationClass *class)
    * decide to perform certain actions, including direct local handling
    * (which may be useful for options like --version).
    *
-   * If the options have been "handled" then a non-negative value should
-   * be returned.   In this case, the return value is the exit status: 0
-   * for success and a positive value for failure.  -1 means to continue
-   * normal processing.
-   *
    * In the event that the application is marked
    * %G_APPLICATION_HANDLES_COMMAND_LINE the "normal processing" will
    * send the @option dictionary to the primary instance where it can be
@@ -1450,6 +1445,11 @@ g_application_class_init (GApplicationClass *class)
    * capabilities than what is provided here, but this should not
    * normally be required.
    *
+   * Returns: an exit code. If you have handled your options and want
+   * to exit the process, return a non-negative option, 0 for success,
+   * and a positive value for failure. To continue, return -1 to let
+   * the default option processing continue.
+   *
    * Since: 2.40
    **/
   g_application_signals[SIGNAL_HANDLE_LOCAL_OPTIONS] =