be hard on


be hard on

To treat someone strictly or with severe reproach. I know I didn't do well on the exam, but I didn't expect my dad to be so hard on me about it—he grounded me for a month!See also: hard, on

be hard on (one)

1. To treat one overly strictly or harshly. Please don't be hard on Tessa—she's such a sensitive kid.2. To be unfair or difficult for one to endure. It's hard on me to watch you suffer like this.See also: hard, on