Meaning of the word "give someone a hard time" in English

What does "give someone a hard time" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

give someone a hard time

US /ɡɪv ˈsʌmˌwʌn ə hɑrd taɪm/
UK /ɡɪv ˈsʌmˌwʌn ə hɑːd taɪm/

Idiom

to make things difficult for someone; to criticize or annoy someone

Example:
My boss always seems to give me a hard time about my reports.
Don't give him a hard time; he's already having a bad day.