play havoc with (someone or something)
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
Also, raise or wreak havoc . Disrupt, damage, or destroy something, as in The wind played havoc with her hair, or The fire alarm raised havoc with the children, or The earthquake wrought havoc in the town. The noun havoc was once used as a command for invaders to begin looting and killing, but by the 1800s the term was being used for somewhat less aggressive activities. For a synonym, see play the devil with.
See also: havoc, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
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
- play havoc
- play havoc with
- 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
- raise hell with something