play hob with
mess with, cause trouble for
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The heavy rain will play hob with our plans for the picnic.”
“A bad cold can play hob with your voice before a big presentation.”
“Missing a few nights of sleep plays hob with your ability to focus.”
“The sudden power outage played hob with the office schedule, forcing us to delay the project deadline by two days.”
“The new software update played hob with my computer's settings, making it impossible to open any of my work files this morning.”
“The construction noise outside is playing hob with my concentration while I try to study for the final exam.”
“The airline strike played hob with our holiday travel, leaving us stuck at the airport for over twelve hours without any information.”
“The unexpected economic downturn played hob with the company's long-term strategy, rendering their previous financial projections entirely obsolete.”
From Middle English Hob, a diminutive of Robin, which derives from the Old French Robert. The term acquired its modern force through its association with Robin Goodfellow and, subsequently, the devil. It shares this mischievous lineage with the hobgoblin.
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 03
grandstand play
A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.
- 04
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 05
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 06
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 07
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
- 08
play along
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
Last updated August 10, 2026