It is generally believed that the term "red tape" originated in the early 16th century with the Spanish administration of Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, who started to …

The meaning of RED TAPE is official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction. How to use red tape in a sentence.

RED TAPE definition: excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken. See examples of red tape used in a sentence.

Use the phrase red tape when you're talking about something that takes much longer than it should and involves more procedures, forms, or rules than make sense. Applying for a …

bureaucratic / excessive / government red tape (Definition of red tape from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

official rules that seem more complicated than necessary and prevent things from being done quickly All ministers are agreed on the need to cut bureaucratic red tape. You have to go …

You refer to official rules and procedures as red tape when they seem unnecessary and cause delay.

Aug 18, 2025 · Red tape is a phrase that’s often used to describe unnecessary, time-consuming, or bureaucratic procedures that delay progress. It’s like hitting a wall of paperwork and rules …

Aug 1, 2024 · Though a regal red binding once signified order and organization, the term “red tape” eventually took on a derogatory connotation, meaning an overly complicated process of …

Oct 12, 2025 · In simple terms, “red tape” refers to excessive bureaucracy or official rules that hinder progress or delay decision-making. It’s often associated with government processes, …