play (merry) hell with (someone or something)
To cause issues or disruptions for someone or something. This wonky Internet signal is playing merry hell with my site edits right now.
play hell with someone or something
Fig. to cause enormous disruptions with someone or something. (Use discretion with hell.) Your proposal would play hell with Gerry and his plans. This new event really plays hell with my schedule.
play hell with something
or play merry hell with something
mainly BRITISHIf one thing plays hell with another or plays merry hell with another, the first thing has a bad effect on the second one or causes great confusion. Divorce and remarriage play hell with property and inheritance law. Slugs play merry hell with growing plants.
play (merry) hell with
throw into turmoil; disrupt. informalplay (merry) ˈhell with somebody/something
(British English, informal) disturb, upset or trouble somebody/something very much: These storms play merry hell with our TV reception.