ENGLISH
REFERENCE

second childhood

idiom
Meaning

The period or state of cognitive decline of an elderly person, characterized by childlike judgment and behavior.


Examples
SIMPLE

He acts like he is in his second childhood lately.

CONTEXTUAL

The family worried when their grandfather started behaving erratically, wondering if he had entered his second childhood.

COMPLEX

As the aging patriarch began to exhibit the whimsical yet confused temperament of a second childhood, his children struggled to balance his newfound joy with the reality of his declining health.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    have second thoughts

    To change one's opinion, or be uneasy about a previous decision.

  2. 02

    just a second

    A short period of time, typically anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or more.

  3. 03

    play second fiddle

    To play a subsidiary or subordinate role to someone or something else.

  4. 04

    second banana

    A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.

  5. 05

    second fiddle

    A sidekick or subordinate, or the role of such a person.

  6. 06

    second gear

    Mediocre, sluggish performance.

  7. 07

    second nature

    A mindset, skill, or type of behavior so ingrained through habit or practice that it seems natural, automatic, or without a basis in conscious thought.

  8. 08

    second string

    Not as good; of a lower quality or condition.

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