clarify docs on return value from binding operators

p4raw-id: //depot/perl@5613

1 files changed, 5 insertions, 2 deletions

diff --git a/pod/perlop.pod b/pod/perlop.pod
index 9c8fa23f1d..5e4ce937fa 100644
--- a/pod/perlop.pod
+++ b/pod/perlop.pod
@@ -172,8 +172,11 @@ search or modify the string $_ by default.  This operator makes that kind
 of operation work on some other string.  The right argument is a search
 pattern, substitution, or transliteration.  The left argument is what is
 supposed to be searched, substituted, or transliterated instead of the default
-$_.  The return value indicates the success of the operation.  If the
-right argument is an expression rather than a search pattern,
+$_.  When used in scalar context, the return value generally indicates the
+success of the operation.  Behavior in list context depends on the particular
+operator.  See L</"Regexp Quote-Like Operators"> for details.
+
+If the right argument is an expression rather than a search pattern,
 substitution, or transliteration, it is interpreted as a search pattern at run
 time.  This can be less efficient than an explicit search, because the
 pattern must be compiled every time the expression is evaluated.