give someone hell
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.
2. To scold or reprimand someone, often severely. Mom will give you hell if you come home after curfew yet again.
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.
give someone hell
Also, give someone the devil. Scold someone harshly. For example, The boss gave them hell for not finishing in time, or Mom will give her the devil if she doesn't get home soon. Also see give it to, def. 1.
give someone hell
1. If someone gives you hell, they make your life very unpleasant by behaving badly towards you. She gets teased at school. The children give her hell, particularly the older boys. Their younger son gives them hell.
2. If someone gives you hell, they shout at you or speak to you angrily because you have done something wrong. I got home three hours late and my mum gave me hell.
3. If a part of your body is giving you hell, it is very painful. My back's been giving me hell.
give someone (or get) hell
reprimand someone (or be reprimanded) severely. informalgive someone hell
1. tv. to bawl someone out; to scold someone severely. (Use caution with hell.) The boss just gave me hell about it.
2. tv. to trouble someone. (Use caution with hell.) This problem is giving us hell at the office.