red tape

noun

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

red tape

noun

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

red tape

¹

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

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

Other Word Forms

• redtapism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of red tape¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of red tape¹

C18: from the red tape used to bind official government documents

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

But Labour's laws tied us in red tape, loaded us with costs, and did nothing to cut global emissions.

From BBC

Made-up accusations that abortion causes depression or breast cancer were employed to justify lengthy waiting periods or unnecessary red tape that only served to shut down abortion clinics.

From Salon

Villaraigosa also focused on the need to build more housing, criticizing bureaucratic red tape and slow permitting processes.

From Los Angeles Times

“Americans deserve better than years of red tape and failed disaster responses,” Noem wrote.

From Salon

He also thinks people like Kevin and others in "the Port" who are trying to turn things around are often frustrated by "red tape" and "deserve more support".

From BBC

Related Words

• bureaucracy