gave someone a hard time

Verb

give someone a hard time (third-person singular simple present gives someone a hard time, present participle giving someone a hard time, simple past gave someone a hard time, past participle given someone a hard time)

1. (idiomatic, informal) To cause difficulty or make trouble for someone.
   • During WWII, German troops gave the Allies a hard time in Italy, but eventually the Allies broke through.
2. (idiomatic, informal) To tease, kid or rib someone.
   • He's usually pretty good-natured when the children give him a hard time about his bald spot.