1. Native American Symbolism: For some Native American tribes, roses symbolized war or danger, while guns represented protection or strength. The combination "guns and roses" reflected the duality of beauty and protection.
2. Guns N' Roses Band: The rock band Guns N' Roses, formed in Los Angeles in 1985, popularized the use of this phrase and helped make it widely known as the band's name. Their music combined elements of hard rock, metal, and blues.
3. Cultural Metaphor: "Guns and roses" is sometimes used metaphorically to represent the contrasting aspects of life experiences. On one hand, there's beauty and pleasure (roses), but on the other, there's violence or challenges (guns). The expression underscores life's contrasting, complex nature.
4. Film Title & Literature: It has been used as a title for films as well, and appears in some works of literature and poetry for symbolic effect.
When the meaning is unclear, consider the specific context where "guns and roses" is used to determine its significance in that particular situation.