play (merry) hell with (someone or 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 or something

Fig. to cause enormous disruptions with someone or something. (Use discretion with hell.) Your proposal would play hell with Gerry and his plans. This new event really plays hell with my schedule.
See also: hell, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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

play hell with something

or

play merry hell with something

mainly BRITISH
If one thing plays hell with another or plays merry hell with another, the first thing has a bad effect on the second one or causes great confusion. Divorce and remarriage play hell with property and inheritance law. Slugs play merry hell with growing plants.
See also: hell, play, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

play (merry) hell with

throw into turmoil; disrupt. informal
See also: hell, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play (merry) ˈhell with somebody/something

(British English, informal) disturb, upset or trouble somebody/something very much: These storms play merry hell with our TV reception.
See also: hell, play, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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 hell
  • play hell with
  • play hell with somebody/something
  • play hell with someone/something
  • play hell with something
  • raise hell
  • a/one hell of a...
  • hell and high water
  • be hell on
  • be hell on (one)