red tape

American  

noun

1. excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken.

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red tape British  

noun

1. obstructive official routine or procedure; time-consuming bureaucracy

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red tape ¹ Cultural  

1. Bureaucratic procedures that delay progress: “Paula had hoped to settle the inheritance quickly but got caught up in a lot of red tape.”

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red tape ² Cultural  

1. Administrative procedures, especially in a bureaucracy, that are marked by complexity and delay: “Red tape delayed his passport.”

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red tape Idioms  

1. Official forms and procedures, especially those that are complex and time-consuming. For example, There's so much red tape involved in approving our remodeling that we're tempted to postpone it indefinitely. This expression alludes to the former British custom of tying up official documents with red ribbon. [Early 1800s]

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Other Word Forms

• redtapism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of red tape

First recorded in 1730–40; after the red tape used to tie official documents

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

red tape

“There’s no bureaucracy. I see you. You need this. Can I do it or not? I can, let’s take care of it. All the red tape is gone.”

From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026

The government hopes to replicate that elsewhere, with a music plan that aims to provide mentoring for artists and promoters, as well as cutting red tape for music festivals and small venues.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

Some of that ties back to local codes and red tape.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

Falling numbers of workers spell yet another challenge for Europe's struggling top economy, already battling onerous red tape, high energy costs and fierce competition in its traditional industries.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

There would be thickets of red tape to negotiate and fines to pay.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• bureaucracy