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

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

Monroe was raised in Van Nuys, attended Van Nuys High School and was discovered while she was working at Van Nuys Airport during World War II. She starred in films like “Some Like it Hot,” and “The Seven-Year Itch.”

From Washington Times

“I don’t know if there’s any truth in the seven-year itch,” he added.

From Fox News