[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./
Compare: ACT UP, IN ONE'S HAIR.