diff --git a/cli.py b/cli.py
index 2f2378ed3..d6f01649b 100755
--- a/cli.py
+++ b/cli.py
@@ -37,10 +37,18 @@ from prompt_toolkit.layout.dimension import Dimension
 from prompt_toolkit.widgets import TextArea
 from prompt_toolkit.key_binding import KeyBindings
 from prompt_toolkit.completion import Completer, Completion
+from prompt_toolkit.keys import Keys
 import threading
 import queue
 import tempfile
 
+# Patch prompt_toolkit to recognize Shift+Enter as a distinct key.
+# By default, the xterm "disambiguated modified keys" sequence for Shift+Enter
+# (\x1b[27;2;13~) is mapped to ControlM (same as plain Enter). We remap it to
+# a unique key tuple so we can bind Shift+Enter to insert a newline.
+from prompt_toolkit.input.ansi_escape_sequences import ANSI_SEQUENCES
+ANSI_SEQUENCES["\x1b[27;2;13~"] = (Keys.Escape, Keys.ControlJ)  # Shift+Enter
+
 # Load environment variables first
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 env_path = Path(__file__).parent / '.env'
@@ -829,7 +837,7 @@ class HermesCLI:
         
         print()
         print("  Tip: Just type your message to chat with Hermes!")
-        print("  Multi-line: End a line with \\ to continue on next line")
+        print("  Multi-line: Shift+Enter for a new line (Alt+Enter as fallback)")
         print()
     
     def show_tools(self):
@@ -1549,9 +1557,14 @@ class HermesCLI:
                     self._pending_input.put(text)
                 event.app.current_buffer.reset()
         
-        @kb.add('s-enter')
+        @kb.add('escape', 'c-j')
         def handle_shift_enter(event):
-            """Shift+Enter inserts a newline for multi-line input."""
+            """Shift+Enter inserts a newline (via patched ANSI sequence)."""
+            event.current_buffer.insert_text('\n')
+
+        @kb.add('escape', 'enter')
+        def handle_alt_enter(event):
+            """Alt+Enter also inserts a newline (fallback for terminals without Shift+Enter)."""
             event.current_buffer.insert_text('\n')
         
         @kb.add('c-c')