play merry hell

play merry hell

To complain loudly or disruptively; to behave in a chaotic or disruptive manner. The team's star quarterback played merry hell about the team's new policy, but he fell in line once the season started. The kids have been playing merry hell since dinner. I think we need to get them to bed!
See also: hell, merry, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play hell

or

play merry hell

mainly BRITISH
If someone plays hell or plays merry hell, they cause trouble by behaving badly or complaining a lot. I went to the school and played hell with them. She played merry hell and stormed out in a rage. Note: Verbs such as kick up, raise or create can be used instead of play. I will be raising merry hell at the meeting tomorrrow.
See also: hell, play
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • ice the puck
  • puck
  • hold (one's) thumbs
  • hold thumbs
  • hold your thumbs
  • rejoice over
  • rejoice over (something)
  • stick (one's) chin out
  • stick your chin out
  • put (something) at (one's) feet
References in periodicals archive
Treasury Chief Secretary Liz Truss backed Ms Rudd's proposals, saying it was wrong Sir Philip could "play merry hell" with pensions.
Bosses reckless with pension schemes may face jail - Rudd
And it was worth the wait - always is at CQAF - with lots of reasons to book time off work (Mirror night shifts play merry hell with gig life) between Thursday, April 29, and Sunday, May 9.
CQAF'S SO INVITING; FESTIVAL LAUNCHES ELEVENTH YEAR..AND IT'S GREAT AS EVER
But surely it would play merry hell with his concentration.
off the Record
From a competitive point of view they serve very little discernible purpose, they lack relevance for supporters and, organisationally, three mid-November fixtures play merry hell with the structure of the domestic season.
Rugby Union: The autumn of our discontent
The York bosses are praying for a dry few weeks because sustained rain could play merry hell with the going.
Racing: The fource is with us; GREAT TO SEE TOP STARS RACE ON
Meanwhile, the overpaid, over-spending decision-makers will play merry hell if the price of tea on their office trolley goes up tuppence.
Hair-raising pair lifted my spirits!