English idiom

red tape

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

excessive bureaucracy and official rules

Why this phrase?

English lawyers once tied official documents with red ribbon; the phrase pictures every decision bound up in endless formalities.

Example

“The visa took months because of red tape.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hang on a minute

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

fall in line

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

golden rule

the most important rule or principle to follow

out of the question

completely impossible or not permitted

sign on the dotted line

to commit yourself formally by signing an agreement

sleep on it

to delay a decision until the next day

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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