Second wind

 

Thousands of pieces of confetti float in the wind around US President Barack Obama. Photo: Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images

Today's Phrase

When you say someone has got ‘a second wind’ it means they have a new vigour or determination to do something some time after starting it.
For example:
I usually feel a bit tired after lunch but get a second wind around 4pm.

Observers said Barack Obama was judged to have lost the first presidential debate with Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but got a second wind in the second and third debates.

Don't confuse it with

To ‘throw caution to the wind’ means to abandon a careful and cautious approach and do something in a much braver way despite the risks.


Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and go with your heart. Do what you believe in.

You know what? I’m going to throw caution to the wind and bet all my money on that racehorse. I think it’s going to win.

Interesting fact

Many long-distance runners experience a phenomenon also known as the ‘second wind’. A runner may be completely exhausted and unable to continue when they suddenly feel a new surge of energy that allows them to finish the race.