itchy feet

Meaning

This idiomatic expression describes a strong urge to travel, explore new places, or change one's situation rather than staying in one place. It is a casual, expressive phrase often used when someone feels bored with their routine and wants an adventure. It is always used figuratively.

Examples

• Every time spring comes around, I get itchy feet and start looking at flights to Europe.

  Every time spring comes around, I get itchy feet and start looking at flights to Europe.

• After three years of working in the same office, Sarah got itchy feet and decided to teach English abroad.

  After three years of working in the same office, Sarah got itchy feet and decided to teach English abroad.

• No matter how comfortable his life is, he always gets itchy feet if he stays in one city for too long.

  No matter how comfortable his life is, he always gets itchy feet if he stays in one city for too long.

• My itchy feet won't let me stay at home this weekend; I need to go on a road trip.

  My itchy feet won't let me stay at home this weekend; I need to go on a road trip.

• Living in a small village gave him itchy feet, so he saved up to travel the world.

  Living in a small village gave him itchy feet, so he saved up to travel the world.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have itchy foots when I see travel videos.

  ✓ I get itchy feet when I see travel videos.

  'Feet' is the irregular plural of 'foot' and must be used here. Also, 'get itchy feet' is much more common than 'have itchy feet'.

• ✗ My feet are itchy, so I need to buy some cream.

  ✓ I have itchy feet and need to book a holiday.

  If you are using the idiom figuratively to mean you want to travel, do not confuse it with literal medical itching. Context must make the desire to travel clear.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I've been in this city for five years now, and I'm starting to get ___.

  💡 An idiom meaning a strong desire to travel or move.

  Show answer

  itchy feet

• Her ___ always lead her to a new destination every summer.

  💡 The figurative urge to travel.

  Show answer

  itchy feet