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

“For too long, burdensome red tape has stood in the way of progress localities want to see, making it too hard to deliver critical housing and infrastructure,” Hochul said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rezoning property in Southern California is a costly and time-consuming process that involves a lot of government red tape.

From Los Angeles Times

Bass, in particular, points to her work in cutting red tape at the Department of Building and Safety, which is reviewing and signing off on the rebuilding plans.

From Los Angeles Times

The ability to rebuild in the three areas has been determined as much by residents’ wealth and insurance coverage as it has by government officials’ willingness to cut red tape.

From The Wall Street Journal

It continued: “Independent grocers are proud economic drivers, creating local jobs and generating tax revenue, but they need certainty and common sense, not more costly red tape handed down by bureaucrats.”

From Salon

Related Words

• bureaucracy