rɛd teɪp
Colors
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- tape that is red in color
What does "red tape" mean?
- excessive bureaucracy or rigid rules that slow down or prevent action
- unnecessarily complicated official procedures
Examples
- Starting a business in this country involves a lot of red tape.
- The project was delayed for months because of government red tape.
- We need to cut through the red tape and get this approved quickly.
Origin
In the 16th century, official legal and government documents in England and Spain were bound with red ribbon or tape. Charles Dickens and Thomas Carlyle popularized the figurative usage in the 19th century.
How to use it
Always carries a negative connotation. Very common in discussions about government, law, and business processes.
Similar expressions
bureaucracy
paperwork
officialdom
regulations
Opposites
efficiency
streamlined process
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "red tape" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.