snakes and scorpions
Literal meaning referring to the two creatures. Often used in the idiomatic expression 蛇蝎の如く嫌う (to hate like snakes and scorpions).
He hates her like snakes and scorpions.
something detestable; abhorrent thing
Idiomatic use; refers to a person or thing that is intensely hated or loathed, drawing on the image of snakes and scorpions as universally despised creatures.
To him, injustice is something detestable.
Variant kanji form using 蠍 for scorpion; less common than 蛇蝎.
Compound of 蛇 (snake) and 蝎 (scorpion). The idiomatic sense derives from the traditional view of these creatures as loathsome.