play havoc with

play havoc with (someone or something)

To cause issues or disruptions for someone or something. The road closures have played havoc with rush-hour traffic. This humidity is going to play havoc with my hair.
See also: havoc, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play havoc with

completely disrupt; cause serious damage to.
1989 Vijay Singh In Search of the River Goddess I hate contractors who come from the plains, chop down trees, play havoc with our lives.
See also: havoc, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play/wreak ˈhavoc with something

cause damage, destruction or disorder to something: The terrible storms wreaked havoc with electricity supplies, because so many power lines were down.
See also: havoc, play, something, wreak
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • play havoc
  • play havoc with (someone or something)
  • play/wreak havoc with something
  • wreak
  • wreak havoc with (someone or something)
  • raise havoc with
  • raise havoc with (someone or something)
  • raise the dickens with (someone or something)
  • raise hell with (someone or something)
  • raise hell with someone
References in periodicals archive
Broad laughs don't only drown out wry grins, they play havoc with characterisation.
IT MUST play havoc with the house prices when your neighbourhood is famous for mob killings.
Braun's portable stylers are worth their weight in gold when the sun, sea and sand play havoc with your hair.
Many ice-hockey teams play on outdoor rinks, but a rule that games can't start if it is colder than minus 15 can play havoc with the schedule.
"I couldn't allow the whole community to be over-assessed; it was going to play havoc with property values."
The company has digested more than a dozen acquisitions in less than five years, something that can play havoc with a retailer's distribution, yet Pao de Acucar has managed to avoid such chaos.
His findings may have implications for other people whose irregular work schedules play havoc with their sleep cycles, says Cho.