red tape
nounDefinition of red tape
: 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 … 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 Initial plans became irretrievably mired in the red tape of building permissions.— Bella Pollen Their 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
Examples of red tape in a Sentence
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
Recent Examples on the Web
Asian, black and Hispanic survey-takers said economic development initiatives such as job creation and cutting red tape for businesses were higher priorities than police. — oregonlive.com, "Portlanders report deep unhappiness with City Hall’s response to homelessness," 23 Aug. 2019 Mr Sisi needs to move beyond fiscal reforms by cutting red tape, removing barriers to trade, and pushing the army out of business. — The Economist, "Egypt is reforming its economy, but poverty is rising," 8 Aug. 2019 State child-care aid got a $56 million boost, but grandparents were foiled in their attempt to eliminate red tape for people who are raising grandkids. — Mary Jo Pitzl, Arizona Republic, "A year later, lawmakers taking $56 million from feds for child care," 24 June 2019 The regulatory red tape is having an effect on miniature gardeners. — Ellen Byron, WSJ, "Hey Tinkerbell, Get Your Fairy House Up to Code or It’s Coming Down," 17 July 2018 Graff said many companies have sought to do research with universities but have been stymied by red tape. — Laura Reiley, chicagotribune.com, "CBD-infused food and beverages are still illegal under US law. So why are they everywhere?," 24 July 2019 Trade deals with foreign partners would blossom, boosting the national finances and cutting bureaucratic red tape would unleash entrepreneurialism, pro-Brexit campaigners promised. — Patrick Smith, NBC News, "As Brexit looms, the U.K.'s Conservative Party fights for survival," 21 July 2019 But the preview center itself has been delayed by legal red tape associated with the train station’s multiple stakeholders, organizers said. — Christine Condon, baltimoresun.com, "'To excite and inspire': Preview of Aberdeen science center to open this fall," 9 July 2019 Graff said many companies have sought to do research with universities but have been stymied by red tape. — The Washington Post, Twin Cities, "CBD-infused food and beverages are still illegal under US law. So why are they everywhere?," 24 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'red tape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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