ˌred ˈtape noun [uncountable]
official rules that seem unnecessary and prevent things from being done quickly and easily ⇒ bureaucracy:
a procedure surrounded by bureaucracy and red tape
The new rules should help cut the red tape for farmers.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

red tape
noun
ADJ. bureaucratic
VERB + RED TAPE cut (through), reduce

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

red tape
official rules which do not seem necessary and make things happen very slowly.
My passport application has been held up by red tape.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

red tape
excessive formalities in official business/transactions; rules and regulations that seem unnecessary (often from the government)
Many businesses complain about the red tape that they must deal with in order to get anything done with the government.

There was much red tape when we went to the city to get a business license.

There is a lot of red tape when you try to start up a new business.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

red tape
n. phr. Unnecessary bureaucratic routine; needless but official delays.
If you want to get anything accomplished in a hurry, you have to find someone in power who can cut through all that red tape.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲