red tape
noun
: official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction
bureaucratic red tape
… enterprisers that show how people across the Nation are coping (or not coping) with such problems as unemployment, the budget deficit and Government red tape.—
John Weisman
John Weisman… pompous officials (often lowly clerks) in love with red tape who delight in obstructing the expedition of what should be simple procedures.—Norman W. Schur
Norman W. SchurInitial plans became irretrievably mired in the red tape of building permissions.—Bella Pollen
Bella PollenTheir plan is simple enough and none too glamorous: create a Web site to help people cut through red tape; i.e., pay for parking tickets and so on.—Sarah Kerr
Sarah KerrExamples of red tape in a Sentence
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
Recent Examples on the Web
While this page supports the goal of cutting red tape and saving tax dollars, every American should be aware that the CFPB, now sidelined, has recovered over $20 billion in financial relief for U.S. consumers since Congress launched it after the 2008 market crash.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
In his annual letter to shareholders, Jassy reiterated his desire to make the e-commerce and tech giant move faster, including by removing red tape across its operations.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
On the campaign trail, the president had promised to usher in a period of American energy dominance and dirt-cheap gas prices by cutting red tape.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration the measures were taken to cut red tape.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red tape
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
In his annual letter to shareholders, Jassy reiterated his desire to make the e-commerce and tech giant move faster, including by removing red tape across its operations.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
On the campaign trail, the president had promised to usher in a period of American energy dominance and dirt-cheap gas prices by cutting red tape.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration the measures were taken to cut red tape.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for red tape
Cite this Entry
“Red tape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20tape. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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