Give somebody hell
phrase
To cause someone a lot of difficulties or problems.
His noisy neighbors are giving him hell with their constant late-night parties.
Often appears as...
- give someone hell for something
- give someone hell over something
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To strongly criticize or scold someone.
The coach will give you hell if he finds out you skipped practice.
Often appears as...
- give someone hell about something
- give someone hell for something
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To cause someone a lot of difficulties or problems.
His noisy neighbors are giving him hell with their constant late-night parties.
Often appears as...
- give someone hell for something
- give someone hell over something
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To strongly criticize or scold someone.
The coach will give you hell if he finds out you skipped practice.
Often appears as...
- give someone hell about something
- give someone hell for something
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
The phrase is casual and might not be suitable in formal situations or with authority figures.
She's going to give me hell for arriving late again.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity Implied
It suggests someone is causing a strong, often negative, impact on another's life.
Ever since the road closure, the commute has been giving everyone hell.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Stress
The phrase can imply emotional stress, not just physical or logistical difficulties.
His constant criticism is giving her hell and she's feeling overwhelmed.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
The phrase is casual and might not be suitable in formal situations or with authority figures.
She's going to give me hell for arriving late again.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity Implied
It suggests someone is causing a strong, often negative, impact on another's life.
Ever since the road closure, the commute has been giving everyone hell.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Stress
The phrase can imply emotional stress, not just physical or logistical difficulties.
His constant criticism is giving her hell and she's feeling overwhelmed.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
The phrase is casual and might not be suitable in formal situations or with authority figures.
She's going to give me hell for arriving late again.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity Implied
It suggests someone is causing a strong, often negative, impact on another's life.
Ever since the road closure, the commute has been giving everyone hell.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Stress
The phrase can imply emotional stress, not just physical or logistical difficulties.
His constant criticism is giving her hell and she's feeling overwhelmed.
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