second wind

[wind]

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.

second wind

/ 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

second wind

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of second wind¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

A 72nd-minute penalty appeared to have made the match safe but Argentina's second wind wasn't blown out quite yet.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Once back to their full complement and with the power of their bench on the field, New Zealand found a second wind.

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

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Russ finds a second wind when he tries out for a college football team as a walk-on quarterback, wearing heavy prosthetics and acting under the guise of a fabricated identity: Chad Powers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times