seven-year itch

[ sev-en-yeer ]

noun

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

seven-year itch

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seven-year itch¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In our case, John and I got through the seven-year itch and first decade with no problem.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Seven-Year Itch” star had to be sewn into the piece ahead of her 1962 performance at a Madison Square Garden fundraiser that took place a few months before her death.

From Los Angeles Times

In our case, John and I got through the seven-year itch and first decade with no problem.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Seven-Year Itch” star had to be sewn into the piece ahead of her 1962 performance at a Madison Square Garden fundraiser that took place a few months before her death.

From Los Angeles Times

But if you're in a long-term relationship, as in one that's survived the seven-year itch at least once, if not a few times over, the scenes featuring Miranda and Steve's marriage may have set off alarm bells.

From Salon