Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

give-a-hard-time

Phrase

ɡɪv ə hɑrd taɪm

Definition

To criticize someone or make their life more difficult, often playfully or teasingly.

Examples

“Stop giving me a hard time about my taste in music!”
“He just loves to give his sister a hard time whenever they’re together.”
“The coach gives the players a hard time during practice to prepare them for the game.”

Meaning

The phrase ‘give a hard time’ means to trouble or annoy someone, usually in a non-serious context. It’s often used when someone is jokingly making fun of another or putting them in a challenging situation.