# scratch one's own itch

idiom

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

## Meaning

To do something out of motivation to solve a personal problem; to take matters into one's own hands.

## Examples

- I decided to scratch my own itch and fix the broken sink myself.
- Since no software existed to track my daily habits, I built an app to scratch my own itch.
- Rather than waiting for the government to address the local infrastructure, the community leaders decided to scratch their own itch by organizing a volunteer repair crew.

## Origin

From the phrase *scratch an itch*, used to denote the act of addressing a specific personal requirement or frustration through one's own efforts.

---

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.