v. phr. , informal 1. To give trouble by what you do or say; complain. Jane gave her mother a hard time on the bus by fighting with her sister and screaming. Don't give me a hard time, George. I'm doing my best on this job.
Compare: GIVE FITS. 2. To get in the way by teasing or playing; kid. Don't give me a hard time, boys. I'm trying to study.
Compare: ACT UP, IN ONE'S HAIR.