Getting the wind knocked out of you

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Getting the wind knocked out of you is a commonly used idiom that refers to a kind of diaphragm spasm that occurs when sudden force is applied to the abdomen which puts pressure on the solar plexus. This often happens in contact sports, a forceful blow to the abdomen, or by falling on the back. It results in a temporary paralysis of the diaphragm that makes it difficult to breathe.[1] This can lead to anxiety and there may be residual pain from the original blow, but the condition should clear spontaneously in a minute or two. This can lead to continued difficulty breathing, standing, or sitting.



  1. ^ "What happens when you get winded?". BBC News. 28 September 2005.