to make (one) chew rice (over which an incantation has been pronounced this is done in the case of persons suspected of stealing, it being believed that the thief will be discovered by blood issuing from his mouth, or by a deficiency of saliva

torment, harass, give someone a hard time, set a very difficult task, cause trouble, set a hard row to hoe, put (someone) in hot water

tease, torment, harass greatly

set someone a very difficult task, cause great trouble