play hob with

== English == === Etymology === 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. === Pronunciation === === Verb === play hob with (third-person singular simple present plays hob with, present participle playing hob with, simple past and past participle played hob with) (idiomatic, dated UK, rustic US) mess with, cause trouble for ==== Synonyms ==== (US) mess with (obsolete) play the devil (with) === References === Oxford English Dictionary, 1st ed. "Hob, n.1". Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1898.