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give someone hell

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give someone hell

Also, give someone the devil. Scold someone harshly. For example, The boss gave them hell for not finishing in time, or Mom will give her the devil if she doesn't get home soon. Also see give it to, def. 1.

See also: give, hell

give someone hell

1. tv. to bawl someone out; to scold someone severely. (Use caution with hell.) The boss just gave me hell about it.

2. tv. to trouble someone. (Use caution with hell.) This problem is giving us hell at the office.

See also: give, hell