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

But red tape is now threatening the future of many bakers' culinary creations as some councils in England are reviewing their street trading policies, and questioning whether cake sheds should require a licence.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

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

From Slate • Jun. 6, 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

Celona, who has promised to resuscitate the city’s entertainment industry by fast-tracking film permits and cutting red tape, trails far behind.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Ophelia’s father put up the money—about $4,500—and because PIH had no red tape and little overhead, the school was built right away.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• bureaucracy