play (merry) hell with (someone or 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 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

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

play hell

or

play merry hell

mainly BRITISH

If someone plays hell or plays merry hell, they cause trouble by behaving badly or complaining a lot. I went to the school and played hell with them. She played merry hell and stormed out in a rage. Note: Verbs such as kick up, raise or create can be used instead of play. I will be raising merry hell at the meeting tomorrrow.

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

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

play (merry) hell with

throw into turmoil; disrupt. informal

See also: hell, play

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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.