play hob with

From Middle English Hob (a diminutive of Robin, from Old French [Term?], a diminutive of Robert) in its connection with Robin Goodfellow and (subsequently) the devil. Compare hobgoblin.

• "They say it's playing hob with the fellers in these here parts."
• "The revolutionists who are playing hob with our generation are really masters of the obsolete."
• "It'll play hob with my sleep schedule but I suppose it can't be helped. Please let the house elves know that if I ask for an early breakfast at, say, three A.M. tomorrow morning, I'm to receive it."

• mess with
• play the devil