Give someone a hard time
/ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ə hɑːd taɪm/informalUK · US
What does “Give someone a hard time” mean?
Give someone a hard time means to make things difficult for someone through criticism, pressure or teasing
A landlord who rejects every reasonable request might give a tenant a hard time. Friends can also give you a hard time about an amusing mistake.
Those are different levels of discomfort. Add the reason or describe the relationship if you want the listener to know whether the teasing is friendly.
When do people say it?
Can describe serious pressure or friendly teasing. The people involved and the reason for the criticism determine how strong it sounds.
“The landlord gave us a hard time when we asked for the heating to be fixed.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
“Hard” means difficult here. The fixed phrase describes causing someone discomfort, rather than giving them a period of time.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Give someone a hard time” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Pull someone's leg, To tease someone playfully.
Last updated 2026-11-13