The term 'seven-year stretch' is a colloquial expression used to describe a period of time that lasts for seven years. It is often used to refer to a difficult or challenging situation, such as a job or a relationship. In this crossword puzzle, the solution for the term 'seven-year stretch' is TEENS, which is an abbreviation for the phrase 'teenage years'. The teenage years are often seen as a difficult and challenging period of life, making it an appropriate answer for the term 'seven-year stretch'.