give a hard time
give a hard time {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To give trouble by what you do or say; complain.
Jane gave her mother a hard time on the bus by fighting with her sister and screaming.
Don't give me a hard time, George. I'm doing my best on this job.
Compare: GIVE FITS.
2. To get in the way by teasing or playing; kid.
Don't give me a hard time, boys. I'm trying to study.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
