seven-year itch

American  

[sev-en-yeer] / ˈsɛv ɛnˌyɪər /

noun

1. scabies.

2. the temptation to have an affair, held to become a hazard in the seventh year of marriage.

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seven-year itch British  

noun

1. informal a tendency towards infidelity, traditionally said to begin after about seven years of marriage

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Etymology

Origin of seven-year itch

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The NBA's seven-year itch led to the game being hosted by Staples Center for the first time since 2011.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2016

And in a twist on the seven-year itch: Schmitz’s last in-game kick came in 2008.

From Washington Times • May 13, 2015

Photograph: David Jones/PA Montpellier had never won a match away from home and they only just scratched the seven-year itch despite having a man advantage for the last 55 minutes.

From The Guardian • Dec. 9, 2012

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