diff --git a/COLLABORATOR_GUIDE.md b/COLLABORATOR_GUIDE.md
index 1b477b0ef2137e..e955473a685a39 100644
--- a/COLLABORATOR_GUIDE.md
+++ b/COLLABORATOR_GUIDE.md
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ Additionally:
 
 ### Technical HOWTO
 
-_Optional:_ ensure that you are not in a borked `am`/`rebase` state
+Clear any `am`/`rebase` that may already be underway.
 
 ```text
 $ git am --abort