play hell with somethingplay (merry) hell with (something)
informal to stop something from working as it should.
The power cuts played merry hell with our computer systems.
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 something
or
play merry hell with something
mainly BRITISH
If 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) ˈhell with somebody/something
(British English, informal) disturb, upset or trouble somebody/something very much: These storms play merry hell with our TV reception.