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give someone a hard time

idiom
Meaning

To cause difficulty or make trouble for someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please stop giving me a hard time about my mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

My boss gave me a hard time because I arrived at the office ten minutes late.

COMPLEX

Although he had worked diligently to finish the project, his colleagues continued to give him a hard time regarding the minor errors in the final report.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  6. 06

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  7. 07

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  8. 08

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

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