Eager, so to speak (7)
I believe the answer is:
itching
'eager so to speak' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for itching that I've seen before include "causing irritation?" , "irritating" , "Having an unpleasant skin sensation" , "Consumed with curiosity" , "Having teasing desire" .)