play hell with someone/something

play (merry) hell with (someone or something)

To cause issues or disruptions for someone or something. This wonky Internet signal is playing merry hell with my site edits right now.
See also: hell, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play hell with someone/something

and play the devil with someone/something
tv. to cause difficulty for someone or something. You know that this cake is going to play hell with my diet. Your driving is playing the devil with my upset stomach.
See also: hell, play, someone, something
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • play (merry) hell with (someone or something)
  • play hell
  • play hell with
  • play hell with somebody/something
  • play hell with something
  • raise hell
  • a/one hell of a...
  • hell and high water
  • be hell on
  • be hell on (one)