give (one) a bad time
To tease, mock, or criticize one, usually over some action, task, or achievement. The coach really gave me a bad time when I missed that catch last night. I feel a little mean because I gave him such a bad time about his date last night. Your brother tried his best—don't give him a bad time about it.
give (one) a hard time
1. To tease someone about something, often for one's own enjoyment. I hate talking to Uncle Ned at family parties—he always gives me a hard time about being a poetry major. I'm pretty sure that Kevin likes Katie, so I keep giving him a hard time about it. Aw, come on, dude, I was just giving you a hard time. No need to get upset about it.
2. To treat someone harshly and make things difficult for them. I think I've done a good job at work, but the boss keeps giving me a hard time—I don't think he likes me very much. Stop giving the interns such a hard time! They're doing the best they can. Bullies always seems to give new kids a hard time.
give (one) a rough time
To cause one to experience challenges or unhappiness, often through harsh treatment or through being difficult to deal with or handle. Boy, your dad really gave me a rough time last night—I don't think he likes me very much. The engine gave me a rough time because it was so rusty, but I eventually got it running again. Going to graduate school while working a full-time job really gave me a rough time!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.