give (one) a rough 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.

See also: give, rough, time

give somebody a rough, hard, bad, etc. ˈtime (of it)

(informal) make somebody’s life very difficult because you do not like them: Ever since I started work here, she’s been shouting at me and giving me a hard time.

See also: give, somebody, time