seven-year itch
Americannoun
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the temptation to have an affair, held to become a hazard in the seventh year of marriage.
noun
Etymology
Origin of seven-year itch
An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In our case, John and I got through the seven-year itch and first decade with no problem.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2022
And in a twist on the seven-year itch: Schmitz’s last in-game kick came in 2008.
From Washington Times ● May 13, 2015
Anichebe debuted in 2006, but a seven-year itch is being scratched as his potential is finally realised.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 14, 2013
We both went through our own "seven-year itch," but nothing came of it, we were never unfaithful, and we stayed committed to each other.
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2011
“I jest got to make shore. If’n we bring cooties in here, or the seven-year itch, I ain’t go’n have no customers.”
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
