bother with

bother with (someone or something)

1. To expend one's energy addressing a particular person or issue. Often used in the negative to convey the opposite. Don't bother with Billy—he just doesn't care about his grades, and no rewards, threats, or suggestions have helped. Oh, don't bother with all that stuff, I'll put it away.
2. To disturb or irritate someone by involving them in a particular issue. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "bother" and "with." He needs to stop bothering me with these complaints about the computer system because there's nothing I can do to fix the problem.
See also: bother
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bother someone with someone or something

 and bother someone about someone or something
to annoy someone with someone or something; to worry someone about someone or something. (Either a physical annoyance or a mental annoyance.) Don't bother me with that! Don't bother yourself about the bill. I'll pay it.
See also: bother

bother with someone or something

to take the time or trouble to deal with someone or something. (Usually negative.) Please don't bother with Jill. She can take care of herself. Don't bother me with your problems.
See also: bother
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • bother with (someone or something)
  • bother about
  • bother about (someone or something)
  • the done thing
  • (not) give a toss
  • (not) give a fig
  • expend (something) on (someone or something)
  • expend on
  • (not) care a fig
  • (not) care a toss
References in periodicals archive
The Home Office last night refused to comment on a report that guards at the Border Force had been told not to bother with certain passport checks, but confirmed Mr Clark's suspension.
UK passport scandal chief is suspended
As a resident for 18 years I have to say, yes, we do have a bit of bother with under-age drinkers but it is the youths who come into the area who bring it down, and not always the resident youths who cause bother.
Voice of Scotland: Your view - Short shrift
Of course, your grandchildren won't bother with you unless you bother with them.
Gran won't make the effort to pay a visit
Marion Ellison's Traction Mint will have lots of support in the seventh but may not beat All Them but Marion can take the eighth if Dimples Emerald avoids bother with a fast finish in the closing stages.
Cha Cha to waltz home