itch (redirected from itching)

*itch for something

a desire for something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) l have an itch for some ice cream. We had an itch for a good movie, so we went.

*itch to do something

Fig. a desire to do something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I have an itch to see a movie tonight. Tom has an itch to go swimming.

*itchy palm and *itching palm

Fig. [of a hand] in need of a tip. (As if placing money in the palm would stop the itching. *Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) All the waiters at that restaurant have itchy palms. The cabdriver was troubled by an itching palm. Since he refused to carry my bags, I gave him nothing. Whenever he sees expensive luggage, the hotel doorman gets an itching palm.

See also: itchy, palm

itch for something

Fig. to desire something. I'm just itching for a visit from Amy. We are itching for some chocolate.

seven-year itch

a real or imagined longing for other women in a man's seventh year of marriage. Looks like Jack has the seven-year itch. The seven-year itch is just a rumor.

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the seven year itch  (humorous)

if someone who is married gets the seven year itch, they become bored with their relationship after about seven years and often want to start a sexual relationship with another person He keeps talking about all the women he knew before we were married - I think he's got the seven-year itch.

See also: seven, year