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- Dictionaryred tape/ˌrɛd ˈteɪp/
noun
- 1. excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities: "this law will just create more red tape"
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RED TAPE definition: 1. official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results: 2. official rules and…. Learn more.
Red tape is an idiom referring to regulations or conformity to formal rules or standards which are claimed to be excessive, rigid or redundant, or to bureaucracy claimed to hinder or prevent action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
The meaning of RED TAPE is official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction. How to use red tape in a sentence.
The idiom “red tape” is commonly used to describe bureaucratic procedures that are unnecessarily complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating. However, the origins of this phrase are not entirely clear. Some historians believe that it dates back to the 16th century when documents were tied with red ribbon or tape to indicate their importance.
Use the phrase red tape when you're talking about something that takes much longer than it should and involves more procedures, forms, or rules than make sense. Applying for a passport or a driver's licence is well known for the amount of red tape involved.
You refer to official rules and procedures as red tape when they seem unnecessary and cause delay. The little money that was available was tied up in bureaucratic red tape. American English : red tape / rɛd ˈteɪp /
noun. excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken. red tape. noun. obstructive official routine or procedure; time-consuming bureaucracy.
