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

Derived Forms

• redtapism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of red tape

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

Example Sentences

A highly specific 35 percent cut to government red tape using A.I.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2026

It can also help fast-track reviews and cut red tape to move projects along, and helps encourage the growth of certain industries, like life sciences and tech, and the high-paying jobs that come with them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"Independent prescribing will play a major part in delivering this shift, easing pressures on GPs, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping patients get the right care closer to home," he said.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

He said many want to operate legally but get caught up in red tape and called for a more "organized, sustainable model."

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

"It's amazing how much red tape gets cut when everyone's rooting for one man to survive."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• bureaucracy