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

… 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Trump has promised that this is just the beginning, vowing to impose massive tariffs, slash a breathtaking amount of red tape and provide new tax breaks to businesses and individuals. —

Matt Egan, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 In addition, Trump is expected to sign an order that was described as focused on cutting red tape and regulations. —

Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025 For conservatives emboldened by Donald Trump's victory, the targets are familiar: DEI programs at the Los Angeles Fire Department, undocumented immigrants, red tape — even aid to Ukraine. —

Zachary Basu, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 Perle was contacted by a Washington couple who had heard about the boy and wanted to adopt him but couldn't untangle the red tape. —

CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for red tape