play hell with somebody/something

play hell with someone or something

Fig. to cause enormous disruptions with someone or something. (Use discretion with hell.) Your proposal would play hell with Gerry and his plans. This new event really plays hell with my schedule.

See also: hell, play

play hell with something

or

play merry hell with something

mainly BRITISH

If one thing plays hell with another or plays merry hell with another, the first thing has a bad effect on the second one or causes great confusion. Divorce and remarriage play hell with property and inheritance law. Slugs play merry hell with growing plants.

See also: hell, play, something

play (merry) hell with

throw into turmoil; disrupt. informal

See also: hell, play

play (merry) ˈhell with somebody/something

(British English, informal) disturb, upset or trouble somebody/something very much: These storms play merry hell with our TV reception.

See also: hell, play, somebody, something