1. Lit. one's stabilized breathing after exerting oneself for a short time. (*Typically: get ~; have ~.) John was having a hard time running until he got his second wind. Bill had to quit the race because he never got his second wind.

2. Fig. one's greater or renewed energy and productivity, gained at some time after starting. (*Typically: get ~; have ~.) I usually get my second wind early in the afternoon. Mary is a better worker after she has her second wind.