Red tape
/red ˈteɪp/informalUK · US
What does “Red tape” mean?
Red tape means official rules and paperwork that cause needless difficulty
Being asked for the same document by three different departments might feel like red tape. The complaint is about wasted effort or delay.
A necessary safety check is not automatically red tape. Calling it that tells us how the speaker views the rule.
When do people say it?
Use it when you think official procedures are excessive or obstructive. It is a complaint, not a neutral name for all administration.
“Red tape delayed the opening of our little café for months.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The phrase refers to the red tape once used to tie official papers. The binding became an image for the procedures surrounding them.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Red tape” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-04