play hell with someone/something

play (merry) hell with (someone or something)

To cause issues or disruptions for someone or something. This wonky Internet signal is playing merry hell with my site edits right now.

See also: hell, play

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

play hell with someone/something

and play the devil with someone/something

tv. to cause difficulty for someone or something. You know that this cake is going to play hell with my diet. Your driving is playing the devil with my upset stomach.

See also: hell, play, someone, something

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.