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.
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.