give somebody a rough, hard, bad, etc. time

give (one) a bad time

To tease, mock, or criticize one, usually over some action, task, or achievement. The coach really gave me a bad time when I missed that catch last night. I feel a little mean because I gave him such a bad time about his date last night.See also: bad, give, time

give (one) a hard time

1. To tease someone about something, often for one's own enjoyment. I hate talking to Uncle Ned at family parties—he always gives me a hard time about being a poetry major. I'm pretty sure that Kevin likes Katie, so I keep giving him a hard time about it.2. To treat someone harshly and make things difficult for them. I think I've done a good job at work, but the boss keeps giving me a hard time—I don't think he likes me very much. Stop giving the interns such a hard time! They're doing the best they can.See also: give, hard, time

give (one) a rough time

To cause one to experience challenges or unhappiness, often through harsh treatment or through being difficult to deal with or handle. Boy, your dad really gave me a rough time last night—I don't think he likes me very much. The engine gave me a rough time because it was so rusty, but I eventually got it running again.See also: give, rough, time

give somebody a rough, hard, bad, etc. ˈtime (of it)

(informal) make somebody’s life very difficult because you do not like them: Ever since I started work here, she’s been shouting at me and giving me a hard time.See also: give, somebody, time