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

He knew he should probably seek a permit but didn’t want to get bogged down in red tape.

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It also said the efforts "should be complemented by pro-growth structural reforms, including measures to foster more innovation and digitalisation, cut red tape, reduce labour supply constraints... and deepen European economic integration".

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The German government just approved a list of measures to cut red tape that should hasten deployment.

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Democrats believe layering on more government rules, regulations and red tape will make healthcare cheaper.

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“Cutting through layers of red tape in Washington is one essential piece of our final mission.”

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Related Words

• bureaucracy