red tape

American  

noun

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

---

red tape British  

noun

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

---

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.”

---

red tape ² Cultural  

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

---

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]

---

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

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

She also believes the city has to dramatically expand the creation of new housing, reduce red tape for developers and introduce “gentle density” into single-family zoned neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

For US companies, China remains both a major market and a difficult operating environment due to regulation, red tape and geopolitical uncertainty.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

You can probably still do it, make no mistake, but it might take you a few minutes, and there’s a chance you’ll get caught in red tape.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

The Beanstalk died in a bramble of red tape!

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

Related Words

• bureaucracy