itchy feet

USAGE SUMMARY

"itchy feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to refer to a desire to travel and explore new places. For example, "I've been feeling my itchy feet lately, so I'm planning a road trip around Europe this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Predictably, this provoked itchy feet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By October 1997 Heggessey had itchy feet once more.

The Guardian

That way, itchy feet syndrome works in their favour".

The Guardian - Money

Another 6% claimed to be doing so.Britons have long had itchy feet.

The Economist

He got itchy feet when he was Jock Stein's No2 with Scotland.

The Guardian - Sport

My itchy feet gradually went away, and I finally began to really enjoy living in Manchester".

The Guardian

"You can't let the gap be too long or you get itchy feet," Cox says.

The Guardian - Sport

After five and a half hours of talks with President Johnson, Mr Kosygin had itchy feet.

The Guardian

"I come from a family with itchy feet," Mr. Tanner said.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Rapoport previously built and sold the apartment-sharing site Crashpadder to Airbnb, but has since got itchy feet once again after exiting a few months ago.

TechCrunch

MAYORS these days are itchy-feet types, forever zipping around the world to drum up business for their cities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To use it effectively, consider the context: is it a temporary feeling, or a more permanent state of mind? Tailor your language to reflect this.

Common error

Don't confuse "itchy feet", which means a desire to travel or move, with actual itchy feet, which is a dermatological condition. Context is key to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "itchy feet" functions as a noun phrase describing a state of restlessness and a desire to travel or move. As Ludwig AI confirms, this idiom is widely recognized and accepted. Examples show its use in various contexts, from personal desires to career changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "itchy feet" is a common idiom that refers to a strong desire to travel or move, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both informal and professional contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of its idiomatic meaning to avoid confusion with literal itchy feet. Consider alternatives like "wanderlust" or "travel bug" depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig provides numerous examples that showcase the versatile application of this phrase in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

travel bug

Similar to "itchy feet" but suggests a contagious enthusiasm for travel.

wanderlust

A more formal and poetic term for a strong desire to travel.

can't stay in one place

Highlights the inability to remain settled or stationary.

restless spirit

Focuses on the internal feeling of unease and need for change, not necessarily tied to travel.

a desire to roam

Emphasizes aimless wandering and exploration.

urge to explore

Focuses on the intellectual and inquisitive aspect of wanting to discover new things.

yearning for adventure

Highlights the excitement and thrill-seeking aspect of the desire to move.

nomadic tendencies

Suggests a lifestyle of frequent travel and relocation.

footloose and fancy-free

Captures the carefree and unburdened feeling associated with wanting to travel.

on the move

A more general term for being active and traveling, without necessarily implying a strong desire.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says they have "itchy feet"?

Having "itchy feet" means a person has a strong desire to travel or move to a new place. It implies restlessness and a longing for a change of scenery.

What are some synonyms for "itchy feet" that I can use?

Alternatives to "itchy feet" include "wanderlust", "travel bug", or saying someone has a "restless spirit".

How can I use "itchy feet" in a sentence?

You can say, "After being in the same job for ten years, I started to get "itchy feet" and decided to travel the world" or "She always had "itchy feet", never staying in one place for very long."

Is it appropriate to use "itchy feet" in formal writing?

No, "itchy feet" is an informal idiom. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a strong desire to travel" or "restlessness".