1. Lit. one’s stabilized breathing after exerting oneself for a short time

1. John was having a hard time running until he got his second wind.

2. Bill had to quit the race because he never got his second wind.

3. The dancers had to stop for a few minutes to take a rest. When they got their second wind, they started to dance again.

2. Fig. one’s greater or renewed energy and productivity, gained at some time after starting

1. I usually get my second wind early in the afternoon.

2. Mary is a better worker after she has her second wind.

3. The candidate took the weekend off from campaigning because he was mentally exhausted. He told reporters that he would be back on the campaign trail after he got his second wind.