give (someone) hell

informal

1. to speak to someone in a very angry way, because they have done something which has annoyed or upset you.

Did your Dad give you hell about the dent in the car?

2. to make someone suffer.

The children have been giving me hell all afternoon, so I'm not in a very good mood. (usually in continuous tenses)

His new shoes are giving him hell.

• get in on the act
• get in on the ground floor
• get in someone's hair
• get in the way
• get in the way of
• get in the way of something
• get into a huddle
• get into a lather
• get into a rut
• get into bed
• get into bed with
• get into bed with someone
• get into deep water
• get into gear
• get into hot water
• get into stride
• get into the act
• get into the spirit of
• get into the spirit of something
• get into the swing of it
• get into the swing of things
• get in touch
• get into your stride
• get itchy feet
• get it in the neck