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play old harry with sth

British pronunciation/plˈeɪ ˈəʊld hˈaɹi wɪð ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
American pronunciation/plˈeɪ ˈoʊld hˈæɹi wɪð ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
to play old harry with sth
[PHRASE]
1

to make problems for something or have a negative effect on it

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What is the origin of the idiom "play Old Harry with something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "play Old Harry with something" can be traced back to historical folklore and superstitions. In many cultures, "Old Harry" is a colloquial term used to refer to the devil or a mischievous, disruptive force. The expression likely evolved from the idea that if someone were to invite chaos or disorder into a situation, they were, in essence, inviting the mischief associated with "Old Harry. It is commonly used in discussions about mismanagement, disorganization, or chaos in various situations, such as work environments, projects, plans, or even personal matters.

Examples
1I love wine, but it plays Old Harry with my stomach!
2Lack of oversight allowed overzealous investment bankers to play Old Harry with the economy.
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