pester (one) about (someone or something)
To annoy, irritate, or badger one continually or relentlessly about someone or something. I wish you would stop pestering me about getting a new bicycle—your birthday will be here soon enough! I mentioned offhandedly that I might be able to fix Janet up with Mark a couple weeks ago, and she's been pestering me about him ever since.
pester (one) into (doing) (something)
To annoy, irritate, or badger one continually or relentlessly to do something. You can't let these pushy merchants pester you into a purchase you don't actually want. The kids pestered me into buying them a dog, but I'm the one who has to take care of it now!
pester (one) out of
1. To annoy, irritate, or badger one continually or relentlessly to no longer do something. My husband pestered me out of buying the sports car I wanted.
2. To annoy, irritate, or badger one to an extremely unpleasant degree. Typically followed by "one's mind/senses/wits/etc." The kids have been pestering me out of my wits lately because they want the latest video game console.
pester (one) with (something)
To annoy, irritate, or badger one continually or relentlessly because of something in particular. The kids have been pestering me with constant demands for a new puppy. Please don't be one of those groupies that pester the band with requests for an autograph.
pester (someone) for (something)
To continually annoy someone with requests for something. I wish you would stop pestering me for a new bicycle; your birthday will be here soon enough!
pester the life out of (one)
To annoy, irritate, or badger one relentlessly and to an extremely unpleasant degree. The kids have been pestering the life out of me lately because they want the latest video game console.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pester someone about someone or something
to bother someone about someone or something. Please don't pester me about Frank. Stop pestering me about money.
pester someone into something
to annoy someone into doing something. We are trying to pester her into accepting the position. I don't want to be pestered into losing my temper!
pester someone out of something
1. to annoy someone out of doing something. Dave pestered Mary out of going away for the weekend. He pestered her out of leaving without him.
2. to annoy one out of one's mind, senses, good manners, etc. I was pestered out of my mind by a series of silly questions.
pester someone with something
to annoy someone with something. Don't pester me with your constant questions! I was pestered with phone call after phone call.
pester the life out of someone
Fig. to annoy someone excessively. Leave me alone. You are pestering the life out of me. Stop pestering the life out of me!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.