diff --git a/tools/src/tasktree-cli.ts b/tools/src/tasktree-cli.ts
index 39085e30..ae7be0e6 100644
--- a/tools/src/tasktree-cli.ts
+++ b/tools/src/tasktree-cli.ts
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ function help() {
     transportContract: "--overapi only changes transport; commands and options are identical",
     transportOptions: "--overapi [--api-url URL]",
     hierarchy: "taskgroup -> task -> subtask -> subsubtask",
-    lifecycleContract: "start pending work before execution; write an execution report and complete accepted work before handoff",
+    lifecycleContract: "start pending work before execution; writing an execution report completes accepted work",
     completionContract: "a task requires at least one execution report before completion"
   };
 }