The idiom "red tape" refers to excessive bureaucracy or rules and regulations that make it difficult to get things done. It is often used to describe the frustrating and time-consuming process of dealing with government agencies or large organizations that have a lot of procedures and paperwork.
The term "red tape" comes from the practice of tying up official documents with red ribbon or tape to keep them secure. Over time, the term has come to represent the bureaucratic procedures and regulations that can slow down progress and hinder efficiency.
For example, if someone is trying to start a new business and has to deal with a lot of government regulations and paperwork, they might say, "I'm getting bogged down in all this red tape." Or if someone is trying to get a permit to build a new house and has to go through a long and complicated process, they might say, "The red tape is really holding up our project."
In short, "red tape" is a term used to describe excessive bureaucracy and regulations that can make it difficult to get things done efficiently.
• It's frustrating to navigate the red tape involved in getting a visa.
• The company's expansion plans were delayed due to all the red tape involved in obtaining the necessary permits.
• The new government regulations have added even more red tape to an already complicated process.
• The international business deal was held up for months due to the red tape involved in negotiating with multiple countries.
• I hate dealing with red tape at the DMV.
• The lawyer was well-versed in navigating the red tape of the legal system.