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
Origin: from the tape commonly used to tie official papers
See red tape in American Heritage Dictionary 4
Origin:
Origin: From its former use in tying British official documents
.Learn more about red tape