be hard on . be hard on {v. phr.} To be strict or critical with another; be severe. "Don't be so hard on Jimmy," Tom said. "He is bound to rebel as he gets older." Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: B Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Leave my opinion