give a hard time

give a hard time  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. Причинять неудобства или неприятности своими поступками или словами; выражать недовольство.

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. Дразнить или заигрывать; подшучивать.

Don't give me a hard time, boys. I'm trying to study.

Ср.: ACT UP, IN ONE'S HAIR.