Today there are a lot of idioms that people use in the English language. These idioms come from a variety of different places and contain lots of interesting meanings.
When someone tells you that they got “a second wind” it means that even though they’re tired they’re still able to find the strength to press on. This is a phrase whose origins can be traced back to distance running wherein doctors have witnessed athletes get a second wind from endorphin production.
Meaning of the Phrase
It’s important to understand that “getting a second wind” is a figurative phrase. To understand what this phrase means we must take a moment to look at each part of this phrase separately.
The word “wind” here means your breath, especially when you’re exerting yourself. This comes from the word we use (“winded”) when someone falls and can’t catch their breath for a moment. However, this phrase is typically used in referencing athletes. For them there’s a moment beyond when they become breathless at which point they start to feel comfortable with their breathing again despite how much effort they’re putting into their sport. When this moment happens someone will say that they’re “getting a second wind.” This is something that’s been medically proven to actually happen. In medical terms the person has recovered the full power of respiration after having become exhausted due to exertion. This occurs because their heart’s action has improved.
This phrase isn’t always used in describing a medical condition. It can also be used when referring to someone who’s talking boastfully but isn’t following their words up with action. In this case the word “wind” can be used to refer to a person’s breath. Here you might even say that a person is “all wind” – nothing but foolish talk.
Origin of the Phrase
As you can imagine, this phrase comes from the sports world – in specific the sport of running. When an athlete would feel like they were out of breath in the beginning of a race but would later find it easier to breathe you’d say it was because they “got a second wind.” This is because although the racer grew tired in the middle of their race they either visualized or thought about the finish line. Doing so gives them the boost they need in both motivation and energy. So even though they may have been running for a long distance and are now feeling tired they suddenly have enough energy to be able to run fast and cross the finish line.
Additionally this phrase has been used in referencing a sailboat race. Here “a second wind” would help the boat get pushed across the finish line and win.
Today many people are also using this phrase at any time they find themselves growing tired because of an activity or a situation that they’re involved in. When they find the strength to push through and finish strong they may tell you that it’s because they “got a second wind.” Some believe that the use of the phrase in this way is something that dates back to the early twentieth century possibly because this is the first time we find it in writing. In 1946 in “The Franchise Affair” we read “Perhaps it was the presence of an ally . . . or perhaps she had just got her second wind.”
Although nobody knows for sure where the phrase “getting a second wind” originated from everyone will agree that it means you’ve got renewed vigor after a lapse.
How to Use the Phrase
As you reach the end of a movie there’s a climactic battle between the hero and the villain. Unfortunately, the hero seems to be losing. The villain penetrates the hero’s defenses and seemingly scores a decisive hit – one that’s enough to make the hero crumple over as though he’s in dire need of some help.
This is usually when the villain takes a minute to gloat since he believes that the hero is done for. The camera may even flash to the hero’s loved ones so that you can see how horrified they are. You may even be given the sense that the hero’s wounds should be fatal.
Now that everything appears to have been lost the hero rises up and makes an all-out effort that’s accompanied by some thematic music. The hero is ready to rejoin the battle and this time despite his injuries there’s no question that the hero will be the winner. Ultimately victory is his as he triumphs over the villain because he managed to “get a second wind.”
This is something we see a lot not only in movies but also in professional wrestling – especially in regards to Hulk Hogan. He was able to carry the WWF for about 8 years in this way. Therefore there’s another term for “getting a second wind” in the wrestling world. It’s what’s known as “Hulking up” – something that happens when a hero seems to be defeated but instead begins to shrug off his opponent’s offenses.
Understanding the Science Behind the Phrase
A “second wind” doesn’t occur because there’s been an abrupt transition between two energy production mechanisms. Instead, it’s something that happens once your body manages to complete the transition from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism.
It’s important to understand what each of these words means so that you can have a better understanding of how your body “gets a second wind.” Essentially there are two types of metabolism (the process of converting food to fuel and energy) at work within your body. These two types of metabolism include:
- Anaerobic metabolism occurs when energy is created without the use of oxygen.
- Aerobic metabolism is used to produce the energy your body needs to function and to exercise.
These are processes that begin to take place once a person’s body warms up, their blood vessels open up, and their heart rate increases. At this point, your body will start to produce enzymes and endorphins that’ll be secreted into your bloodstream. Once these are flowing through your body you’ll start to feel numb, alert, and energized – what people frequently refer to as your “second wind.” Sometimes this will also have its own psychological effect. When this happens you may feel energized and awake in such a way that you’re ready to handle the task at hand.
How to “Get a Second Wind”
Many people wonder how they can “get a second wind” when things seem too tough to handle. There are three strategies that you can use here regardless of whether you’re exercising or working on a mental task. These include:
- Allow your body to learn how to regulate itself properly at the pace you’re going. Sometimes you may need to slow down just a bit so that your body can recover some before you pick up the pace again.
- Once you’ve allowed your body to have a little rest you’ll want to ease back into a pace that feels good to you. Now isn’t the time to worry about what those around you are doing. It’s important to set yourself up for success here by making sure you get enough rest and down time so that you can really exert yourself when you need to do so.
- Maintain your focus on your goals and objectives. If you don’t have a purpose you’re more likely not to do well. Find your passion and significance then allow them to drive your energy.
Example Sentences
Now that you have a much better understanding of what this popular phrase means, you may consider using it yourself. Here are some sentences to help you get started doing so:
- Although we were feeling tired we managed to get a second wind and win the game.
- Once I found my second wind I was able to move on.
- I hope you get a second wind so you’re able to complete the project.
- Once Sally found her second win she was able to defeat her opponent.
- Even if your child naps at the wrong time they may still find a second win so they can make it until their bedtime.
- I managed to find my second wind and tackle this complex assignment.
- Although I’ve been going through some tough times I’ve found my second wind.
- After I read your blog post I was able to get a second wind.
- While this is a very tiring process I’m hoping to catch my second wind and push through.
- Even though I was tired all day, that evening I managed to get a second wind.
Additional English Idioms
Conclusion
Regardless of where the phrase “getting a second wind” originated (e.g. racing, sailboating, the medical field), everyone can agree on its definition. This phrase means that you’ve found the motivation you need to press on regardless of how difficult or strenuous the situation may be. So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you once believed you couldn’t make it any further but have somehow managed to press on you can say it’s because you “got a second wind.”
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.