Crossword Genius

Repel it, horrible snake? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reptile

'snake?' is the definition.
(snake is a kind of reptile)

'repel it horrible' is the wordplay.
'horrible' indicates an anagram.
'repel'+'it'='repelit'
'repelit' with letters rearranged gives 'REPTILE'.

(Other definitions for reptile that I've seen before include "loathsome type" , "Turtle or snake say" , "eg Crocodile" , "Somebody grovelling" , "Cold-blooded animal like lizard or snake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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