Meanings
Attested since 1736; thought to allude to the former practice of binding government documents in red-coloured tape.
How to pronounce "red tape":
AU
The binding tape once used for holding important documents together.
Time-consuming regulations or bureaucratic procedures.
Example: "All the red tape and paperwork that goes on there prevents any progress."
Example Sentences
1
The construction project was delayed due to government red tape.
2
Despite the urgency, the charity faced red tape while trying to send supplies to the affected areas.
3
The company had to navigate through a lot of red tape in order to obtain the necessary permits.
4
The entrepreneur was frustrated by the amount of red tape involved in starting a new business.
5
The bureaucratic red tape caused significant delays in the processing of visa applications.
