a lash of scorpions

a lash of scorpions

1. A whipping implement made of scorpion tails—an ancient method of punishment. I was watching this old movie, and one character started beating another with a lash of scorpions! I couldn't believe the one guy was getting hit with scorpion tails—eek!
2. By extension, an extremely harsh punishment. If my parents find out that I borrowed their car last night without their permission, I am going to get a lash of scorpions!
See also: lash, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • lash
  • come up tails
  • whipping
  • once too often
  • hanged for a sheep (as well) as a lamb, (might) as well be
  • get off with (something)
  • have (one's) tail up
  • put (one's) tail up
  • whipping boy
  • a whipping boy