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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.


seven-year itch British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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