red tape
noun
excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken.
Origin of red tape
First recorded in 1730–40; after the red tape used to tie official documents
OTHER WORDS FROM red tape
red·tap·ism, nounWords nearby red tape
red state,
red stuff,
red supergiant,
red tag,
red tai,
red tape,
red tide,
red tory,
red trillium,
red underwing,
red valerian
Example sentences from the Web for red tape
British Dictionary definitions for red tape
red tape
noun
obstructive official routine or procedure; time-consuming bureaucracy
Word Origin for red tape
C18: from the red tape used to bind official government documents
Cultural definitions for red tape (1 of 2)
red tape
Bureaucratic procedures that delay progress: “Paula had hoped to settle the inheritance quickly but got caught up in a lot of red tape.”
Cultural definitions for red tape (2 of 2)
red tape
Administrative procedures, especially in a bureaucracy, that are marked by complexity and delay: “Red tape delayed his passport.”
Idioms and Phrases with red tape
red tape
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]