give someone a hard time

Pester with criticism

To give someone a hard time is to make things difficult for them, whether through criticism, teasing, or obstruction.

It ranges from playful ribbing among friends to genuine harassment: My brothers always gave me a hard time about my haircut.

The inspector gave the restaurant a hard time over minor violations.

harass

bully

Habitual intimidator

nag · hassle · torment · pick on · intimidate · heckle · persecute · antagonize · provoke · aggravate

tease

mock

Scornful imitation or fake

  • ribCurved chest bone
  • kidChild or young goat
  • jestHumorous remark or act

banter · josh · chaff · razz · needle · roast · poke fun · wind up · joke · gibe

criticize

nitpick

Find petty faults

berate · chide · admonish · rebuke · lecture · nag · complain · gripe · disapprove · judge

Opposites
interpersonal treatment quality

give someone a hard timegive someone a break

Show mercy or patience

cut someone some slack · praise · encourage · comfort · show mercy

social pressure vs. accommodation

give someone a hard timelet someone off the hook

Release from accountability

accommodate · facilitate · help out · lend a hand · assist

evaluation/feedback

give someone a hard timepraise

Expression of approval

commend · compliment · support · encourage · applaud

Family

gives, given, giving, giver, givers, someone, harder, hardest, hardly

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G