1
general::
Phrase(s): rough something up
to scrape or rub something in a way that makes it rough. • All you have to do is rough the ground up, sow the seeds, and then water them. • Rough up the surface a little before you paint it., Phrase(s): rough someone up
to beat someone up; to maltreat someone. • Am I going to have to rough you up, or will you cooperate? • The crooks roughed up the old lady before taking her purse.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Manhandle, subject to physical abuse, as in The gang was about to rough him up when the police arrived. [First half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms