Play havoc with Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈhævək/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ
PLAY HAV-uhk WITH
plˈeɪ/ /hˈævək/ /wˈɪð
PLAY HAV-uk WITH
Definition
To cause a lot of damage, disorder, or problems to something.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in semi-formal or informal settings. Often describes unexpected negative consequences from weather, illness, technology failures, or sudden events. Common collocation is 'play havoc with' + system/body/plans/schedule. Not used for intentional, planned damage.
Spanish: causar estragos en - desorganizarPortuguese (BR): bagunçar - causar estragos emPortuguese (PT): causar estragos em - desorganizarChinese (Simplified): 严重扰乱 - 造成混乱Chinese (Traditional): 嚴重擾亂 - 造成混亂Hindi: बुरी तरह से प्रभावित करना - अस्त-व्यस्त करनाArabic: يُحدث فوضى في - يدمرBengali: ভীষণ ক্ষতি করা - বিশৃঙ্খলা সৃষ্টি করা - নষ্ট করে ফেলাRussian: нарушать - выводить из строя - серьёзно вредитьJapanese: 大混乱を引き起こす - 台無しにするVietnamese: gây rối loạn nghiêm trọng - phá vỡ nghiêm trọngKorean: 엉망으로 만들다 - 심각한 문제를 일으키다Turkish: altüst etmek - büyük sıkıntı yaratmakUrdu: تباہ و برباد کرنا - بری طرح نقصان پہنچاناIndonesian: mengacaukan - merusak parah
Example Sentences
Storms can play havoc with travel plans.
basic
Cold weather can play havoc with your car battery.
basic
The new software update played havoc with my phone.
basic
Not sleeping well can really play havoc with your concentration.
natural
The power outage played havoc with our work schedule.
natural
Allergies can play havoc with your plans for outdoor fun.
natural