Give hell

Meaning

The idiom "give hell" is used to express anger or frustration towards someone. It's a strong expression that conveys intense displeasure and can be used as a threat or warning. The figurative meaning of this phrase is often interpreted as a metaphorical way of saying "hell no" or "I won't stand for it."

Usage

• When she found out her boss had given her colleague the promotion instead, she gave him hell until he apologized and promised to do something about it.
• He gave his subordinate hell when they failed to complete the project on time.
• The angry customer gave the cashier hell for not accepting their credit card.
• The coach gave the team hell after their poor performance in the game.
• She gave the new employee hell on their first day of work, making them feel like they were walking on eggshells. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it may be used as a way to express anger towards someone, but it can also be used as a threat or warning. It's important to use this phrase with caution and only when necessary.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "give hell" is unclear, but it has been used in English since the 18th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the idea of giving someone a fiery punishment, similar to what Satan would give to sinners in hell. Another theory suggests that it may come from the idea of giving someone a hard time or making them suffer. Over time, the meaning and usage of this idiom have evolved. It's now commonly used as a strong expression of anger or frustration towards someone, and can be used as a threat or warning. However, it's important to use this phrase with caution and only when necessary.

Synonyms in English

• "Give hell" can be synonymous with "give the devil his due," which means that someone should get what they deserve if they have wronged you.
• "Give hell" can also be synonymous with "give someone a hard time," which means to make someone's life difficult or unpleasant.
• "Give hell" can be used as a synonym for "give someone a hard time," which means to tease or harass someone.
• "Give hell" can also be synonymous with "give someone a piece of your mind," which means to give someone an earful or tell them off.
• "Give hell" can be used as a synonym for "give someone what they deserve," which means to punish someone for their wrongdoing.

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, the phrase "dar en el inferno" (to give someone to the devil or Hell) is used to express anger or frustration towards someone.
• In French, the phrase "donner à quelqu'un le diable" (to give someone to the devil or Hell) is used to express anger or frustration towards someone.
• In German, the phrase "den Teufel angeben" (to give someone to the devil or Hell) is used to express anger or frustration towards someone.
• In Italian, the phrase "fare loro il diavolo" (to make them suffer like a devil) is used to express anger or frustration towards someone.
• In Dutch, the phrase "dienen aan de duivel" (to serve Satan or Hell) is used to express anger or frustration towards someone.

Similar Idioms

• go with the flow

• go out on a limb

• go to the dogs