childhood friend
A friend that one has had since childhood or had in childhood. Ellen is one of my childhood friends—I've known her since I was seven! Ray was one of my childhood friends, but I haven't seen him in years. Gosh, I wonder how he's doing these days. Of course you're going to be one of my bridesmaids—along with some of my childhood friends.
in (one's) second childhood
1. In a time of one's life when one's mental capacity is reduced to that of a child, as due to disease or old age. Unfortunately, my grandfather's been in his second childhood since suffering this latest stroke. My 95-year-old grandma is in her second childhood and barely recognizes any of us these days. It's heartbreaking. No, my parents aren't in their second childhood. Sometimes, it feels like they have better memories than I do!
2. Experiencing a period of rejuvenated or renewed interest in things that interest a child. I feel like I'm in my second childhood as I watch my son experience the magic of the world. Jerry's sort of been in his second childhood ever since he lost his job, as he's gotten back into model train building and video games. All she watches are shows that were on when we were kids. It's like she's in her second childhood or something.
second childhood
1. A time in a person's life (especially an older person) when their mental capacity is reduced to that of a child, as due to disease or old age. After my grandfather suffered his second stroke, he really entered into a second childhood.
2. A period of rejuvenated or renewed interest in things that interest a child. Being a part of my son's life as he grows up has been like a second childhood for me, because seeing him experience the magic of the world has made me appreciate it again as well. Jerry's sort of been in his second childhood ever since he lost his job, as he's gotten back into model train building and video games.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in one's second childhood
Fig. [of an adult] interested in things or people that normally interest children. My father bought himself a toy train, and my mother said he was in his second childhood. Whenever I go to the river and throw stones, I feel as if I'm in my second childhood.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
second childhood
The dotage of old age; also, childlike playfulness in an adult. For example, Grandpa needs full-time care, now that he's in his second childhood, or Since he retired and started learning to fly, he's been in his second childhood. Depending on the context, this term may allude either to such problems of old age as losing one's mental or physical capacities or to delighting in new pleasures in a childlike fashion. [c. 1900]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
second childhood
COMMON
1. An adult's second childhood is a period of time when they have fun and do things that children typically enjoy. My father was a model railway man. My mother passes this off as his second childhood.
2. An elderly person's second childhood is when their mind has become weak and they can no longer care for themselves. We were shocked by his rapid descent into a second childhood.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
second childhood
a state of childishness that sometimes occurs in old age.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
a/your second ˈchildhood
a period in life, especially in old age, when you sometimes act like a child, forget things, etc: I have to feed her and dress her. She’s really in her second childhood.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017