diff --git a/pre_commit/commands/run.py b/pre_commit/commands/run.py
index 44a7aa4c..81b933d5 100644
--- a/pre_commit/commands/run.py
+++ b/pre_commit/commands/run.py
@@ -223,12 +223,12 @@ def _run_single_hook(
         if retcode:
             _subtle_line(f'- exit code: {retcode}', use_color)
             if verbose and hook.description:
+                description = hook.description
                 if '\n' in hook.description:
-                    _subtle_line('- description: |', use_color)
-                    for l in hook.description.splitlines():
-                        _subtle_line('  ' + l, use_color)
-                else:
-                    _subtle_line(f'- description: {hook.description}', use_color)
+                    description = '|'
+                    for line in hook.description.splitlines():
+                        description += '\n  ' + line
+                _subtle_line(f'- description: {description}', use_color)
 
         # Print a message if failing due to file modifications
         if files_modified: