give (one) hell

1. To give someone a hard time by means of aggressive actions or attitude. I'd avoid the boss today—he's already given me hell. But seniors always give the freshmen hell—it's a time-honored tradition! If you want to retain your new hires, I wouldn't give them hell the first week.

2. To scold or reprimand someone, often severely. Mom will give you hell if you come home after curfew yet again. I know the boss gave Tom hell for the mistake in his report. Listen, the other committee member are gonna give you hell if you keep blowing off meetings.

3. To produce or present problems or challenges for one. This discrepancy in the budget is really giving me hell—I still haven't figured it out. A: "You're still putting that swing set together?" B: "Yes, it's really giving me hell. Look at the directions—can you figure out what I'm doing wrong?" Don't worry, some of these paper jams will really give you hell. Let me have a look at the printer.

give them hell

An exclamation of encouragement for someone who is about to participate in something, often a competition, that is intended to motivate them to give their maximum effort in order to defeat their opponent ("them") or achieve success within that arena. "Them" is often shortened to "'em" or "em." Good luck out there, Dara! Give them hell! A: "I just don't know if I'm cut out for college." B: "Nonsense! You're gonna give 'em hell!" Today's the last game of the season, so give 'em hell, guys! No regrets going into the offseason.