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! A: "I'm skeptical of some of these old-timey punishments. Like, did people actually cut off criminals' heads and put them on a platter?" B: "Right? And did people back then really whip offenders with a lash of scorpions?" I'm so furious over this betrayal that I would whip him with a lash of scorpions if I could, I swear!

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! What do you care if this plan backfires? I'm the one in charge—I'll get the lash of scorpions. Where are you? You know you'll get a lash of scorpions if you come home past curfew again!