second wind
the return of ease in breathing after exhaustion caused by continued physical exertion, as in running.
the energy for a renewed effort to continue an undertaking.
Origin of second wind
1Words Nearby second wind
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for second wind
/ (wɪnd) /
the return of the ability to breathe at a comfortable rate, esp following a period of exertion
renewed ability to continue in an effort
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for second wind
A new surge of energy after a period of mental or physical exhaustion: “At the midway mark, the marathoner got her second wind and left the other runners far behind.” The expression refers to the fact that a person's metabolism changes to a more efficient mode during prolonged exercise.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with second wind
Restored energy or strength, enabling one to continue an activity or task. For example, I wasn't sure how far they'd get in a week, but now they seem to have gotten their second wind and are making good progress painting the mural. This expression, dating from the late 1800s, was at first (and still is) used for returned ease in breathing after becoming out of breath during physical exertion such as running. It soon began to be applied to nonphysical efforts as well.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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