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red tape

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Red tape is defined as a lot of official forms and procedures that are involved before something is accomplished.

(noun)

An example of red tape is when you have to fill out tons of annoying forms just to get a driver's license.

See red tape in Webster's New World College Dictionary

official forms and routines
too great attention to regulations and routine, resulting in delay in getting business done

Origin: from the tape commonly used to tie official papers

See red tape in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The collection or sequence of forms and procedures required to gain bureaucratic approval for something, especially when oppressively complex and time-consuming.

Origin:

Origin: From its former use in tying British official documents

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