What is another word for give the dickens?
Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪv ðə dˈɪkənz] (IPA) 
"Give the dickens" is an old-fashioned idiom that means to cause trouble or give a hard time to someone. There are a number of synonyms for this phrase that convey a similar meaning, including "put someone through the wringer," "give someone a rough time," "give someone grief," "make life difficult for someone," and "be a thorn in someone's side." Each of these phrases implies that someone is causing some sort of difficulty or annoyance, either intentionally or unintentionally, and that the recipient is struggling to deal with it. Regardless of which phrase is used, they all convey a sense of frustration or irritation at the situation.
