give someone a hard time; make things difficult
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb
to make things difficult for someone; to create obstacles
informalThis metaphor originates from the old practice of making someone wear tight, uncomfortable shoes as a subtle form of punishment or bullying. It implies using one's power or position to secretly hinder, restrict, or punish someone, often in a workplace or hierarchical context.
Because he voiced a different opinion, his boss began to make things difficult for him.
She was constantly being given a hard time at that company and eventually had to resign.
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We must not allow the people who express different opinions to be secretly penalized.
The new employee, because he didn't know the unwritten rules, was often targeted with subtle obstruction by his supervisor.
Giving someone a hard time is a very subtle form of workplace bullying.