Second wind

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Grammarist

Second wind is an idiom that came into use in the 1800s. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. We will examine the meaning of the expression second wind, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.

A second wind is a renewed sense of vigor after becoming fatigued, a fresh conviction that one is able to achieve one’s goal, a burst of energy following exhaustion. The word wind, in this case, refers to breath. The idea is that one becomes fatigued and is out of breath, and then becomes reinvigorated and catches one’s breath. The term second wind may be used to mean a burst of energy after one becomes physically fatigued, or it may mean a burst of energy when one is mentally or spiritually fatigued. The term second wind was first used in the 1830s, to mean a renewed sense of vigor when one has become tired from physical exertion.

Examples

Glenwood, on the other hand, found a second wind quickly, continuing to mount attack after attack on the besieged Thompson Valley back line.(The Glenwood Springs Post Independent)

Anyways, Bernard keeps glitching; a computer readout says he has about 45 minutes till his hardware shuts down entirely, so he injects himself with some host goo for a bit of a second wind. (W Magazine)

“He struggled, and we looked like we were going to take him out … then they got the lead, and he bounced back with his second wind.” (The Sentinel & Enterprise)

In addition to offering a “second wind” for the merchandise inside, the Second Wind offers a new look for the vendors offering their items behind the blue door at 13 S. Elm St. (Harbor Country News)
 

Want to know more idioms? Check out some others we covered: