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Red tape
01
official procedures or rules that are unnecessary and time-consuming
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.
Example
The project was delayed for months due to all the red tape involved in getting approval from the government.
They have been dealing with red tape for weeks, trying to get their visas approved for their trip.
By the time they got through all the red tape, the opportunity had already passed.
The company has been struggling to get the necessary permits due to all the red tape involved in the process.
Bureaucratic red tape can hold back the process of obtaining permits.
