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Red tape
01
official procedures or rules that are unnecessary and time-consuming
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Uncountable
What is the origin of the idiom "red tape" and when to use it?
The idiom "red tape" has its origins in 16th century England where legal documents were bound by red tape as a way of showing that they were official. This phrase is typically used to describe excessive bureaucracy or official procedures which can hinder or delay progress.
Examples
The project was delayed for months because of red tape.
