give hell

give someone hell (informal)

1. to speak to someone in a very angry way, because they have done something which has annoyed or upset you. Did your Dad give you hell about the dent in the car?

2. to make someone suffer. The children have been giving me hell all afternoon, so I'm not in a very good mood. (usually in continuous tenses) His new shoes are giving him hell.

See also: give, hell

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give someone hell

1. to speak to someone in a very angry way. My wife's giving me hell for not selling the farm.

2. to cause someone pain or difficulty. These new shoes are giving me hell.

See also: give, hell