They may spray or be sprayed (5)

I believe the answer is:

roses

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'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roses that I've seen before include "Flowers of 15th century war" , "Thorny plants" , "''They are not long, the days of wine and ...'' (Dowson)" , "''. . . . . are red, violets are blue''" , "Occupants of bed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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