# scratch an itch

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/scratch-an-itch
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To satisfy a need or desire.

## Examples

- I bought this new camera to scratch an itch for photography.
- He traveled to the mountains for a month just to scratch an itch for adventure.
- After years of working in finance, she finally opened a small bakery to scratch an itch for creative expression.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.