second wind

American  

[wind] / wɪnd /

noun

1. the return of ease in breathing after exhaustion caused by continued physical exertion, as in running.

2. the energy for a renewed effort to continue an undertaking.

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second wind British  

/ wɪnd /

noun

1. the return of the ability to breathe at a comfortable rate, esp following a period of exertion

2. renewed ability to continue in an effort

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second wind Cultural  

1. 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.

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second wind Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of second wind

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The West Hollywood company has a new leadership team — including new chief executive, Spencer Rascoff, who started in July — that is betting the app can find its second wind by developing new features.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

Healthcare stocks have found a second wind, with momentum building across biotech and pharmaceuticals.

From Barron's • Oct. 1, 2025

The controversy was given a second wind by legislators on Tuesday.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2025

Fury found a second wind, however, and edged the ninth.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2024

Along about daylight I got my second wind and I really did make the chips fly.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls