PhrasesHub

Seven-year itch

    Definitions

      • restlessness or dissatisfaction
        Describing a feeling of discontent or boredom that can occur after being in a relationship or job for a long period of time

      • temptation or desire
        Referring to a strong urge or desire to try something new or different after being in a situation for a long time

    Examples of Seven-year itch

    • John's excitement about his new job seemed to fade after just a few years. His friends joked that he was experiencing the "seven-year itch."

      In this example, "seven-year itch" is used to describe a feeling of restlessness or dissatisfaction that some people experience after being in the same situation, such as a job, for several years. It comes from the idea that people may start to feel an urge to move on or make a change after seven years in a particular position or relationship. However, the length of time can vary from person to person, and the phenomenon is not scientifically proven. In this case, John's friends used the expression humorously to suggest that his job was no longer as exciting as it once was.

    • After six years of marriage, Sarah could feel the infamous seven-year itch creeping up on her. She started to feel restless and uneasy, and couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss in her relationship.

      The phrase "seven-year itch" refers to the idea that after about seven years of being in a long-term relationship or marriage, one partner may begin to feel a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction. This feeling is often associated with the idea that the novelty or excitement of the relationship has worn off and that it's time for a change or fresh start. The term "itch" is used to describe this feeling of unease or discomfort.

    • Sarah's family has lived in their current home for over eight years, but Sarah has been feeling restless lately. She jokes that she must be experiencing the "seven-year itch."

      The "seven-year itch" is a colloquial term that originated in the 1950s to describe a purported tendency for married people to become restless and potentially unfaithful after being married for seven years. In this example, Sarah is using the term metaphorically to describe her own feelings of restlessness and unease, even though she has not mentioned any issues with her marriage.

    • After completing his PhD, Tom took a job at a prestigious university. However, after seven years of teaching and research, he began to feel a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. Colleagues and friends jokingly encouraged him to go "scratch the seven-year itch" and pursue a new career or opportunity.

      In this context, "scratch the seven-year itch" is being used as a humorous way of encouraging Tom to break out of his routine and try something new. The idiom retains its original connotation of restlessness, but is being used more lightheartedly in this example.

    • As a successful and experienced businesswoman, Emily prided herself on her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. But after seven years of running her own company, she began to feel a sense of burnout and exhaustion. She confided to her husband that she was experiencing the "seven-year itch" and needed a break.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe the feeling of burnout and disillusionment that can sometimes set in after prolonged periods of hard work and dedication. Emily's use of the expression adds a humorous touch to what could potentially be a serious and stressful situation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "seven-year itch" is often used to describe a feeling of restlessness or dissatisfaction that can occur after being in a relationship or job for a long period of time. It can also refer to a strong temptation or desire to try something new or different after being in a situation for a long time. The phrase suggests that after seven years, people may start to feel the need for change or something different in their lives.

    Origin of "Seven-year itch"

    The expression "seven-year itch" originated from the title of a 1952 play by George Axelrod, which was later adapted into a film. In the play, the main character experiences temptation and restlessness after being married for seven years. The phrase has since been used to describe the feeling of discontent or temptation that can arise after being in a situation for a prolonged period. The concept of a specific time period leading to restlessness or temptation has been a common theme in literature and popular culture, and the "seven-year itch" has become a widely recognized idiom in English.