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

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

Read more on Barron's

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

A second wind allowed him to hold serve and take the second set into a tie-break.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

President Donald Trump's second wind has just been the straw that broke the camel's back, the catalyst that told her she needed to leave as soon as possible.

Read more on Salon