Give somebody a hard time
phrase
To make something more difficult for someone to do, or to make them uncomfortable by behaving rudely or unkindly towards them.
My boss is always giving me a hard time for arriving late to work.
Often appears as...
- give me a hard time
- give her a hard time
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To tease, joke with, or bother someone.
My friends love to give me a hard time about my obsession with collecting stamps.
Often appears as...
- give me a hard time
- give her a hard time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To make something more difficult for someone to do, or to make them uncomfortable by behaving rudely or unkindly towards them.
My boss is always giving me a hard time for arriving late to work.
Often appears as...
- give me a hard time
- give her a hard time
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To tease, joke with, or bother someone.
My friends love to give me a hard time about my obsession with collecting stamps.
Often appears as...
- give me a hard time
- give her a hard time
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies criticism or disapproval in someone's actions or behavior, making it unpleasant.
He's been giving Sally a hard time about her driving skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Using this phrase can reveal frustration or annoyance towards the person creating the difficulty.
After the error, the team really gave the goalkeeper a hard time.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean physical difficulty but refers to any obstacle or pressure someone faces.
His strict parents always give him a hard time about his grades.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies criticism or disapproval in someone's actions or behavior, making it unpleasant.
He's been giving Sally a hard time about her driving skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Using this phrase can reveal frustration or annoyance towards the person creating the difficulty.
After the error, the team really gave the goalkeeper a hard time.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean physical difficulty but refers to any obstacle or pressure someone faces.
His strict parents always give him a hard time about his grades.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
This phrase often implies criticism or disapproval in someone's actions or behavior, making it unpleasant.
He's been giving Sally a hard time about her driving skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Using this phrase can reveal frustration or annoyance towards the person creating the difficulty.
After the error, the team really gave the goalkeeper a hard time.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean physical difficulty but refers to any obstacle or pressure someone faces.
His strict parents always give him a hard time about his grades.
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