Definition of Red tape

1. Noun. Needlessly time-consuming procedure.

Exact synonyms: Bureaucratic Procedure
Generic synonyms: Procedure

Definition of Red tape

1. Noun. (idiomatic) A derisive term for regulations or bureaucratic procedures that are considered excessive or excessively time- and effort-consuming. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Red Tape

red snow
red sorrel
red spider
red spider mite
red sprite
red sprites
red spruce
red squirrel
red squirrels
red state
red strawberry tongue
red supergiant
red supergiants
red sweat
red tag
red tape (current term)
red tea
red test
red thrombus
red tide
red tides
red tiger
red tigers
red top
red tops
red trillium
red under the bed
red underwing
red valerian
red velvet

Literary usage of Red tape

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Cost Accounting, Theory and Practice by Jerome Lee Nicholson (1913)
"red tape • Whatever kind of system is devised, every precaution should be taken to avoid making it top-heavy. If there is one thing more than another that ..."

2. The Americana: A Universal Reference Library, Comprising the Arts and ...by Frederick Converse Beach, George Edwin Rines by Frederick Converse Beach, George Edwin Rines (1912)
"red tape, a term applied to unnecessary routine and formality in official affairs. It is derived from the fact that official documents were bound together ..."

3. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777-1795, 1801 by George Clinton, Hugh Hastings, James Austin Holden, New York (State). Governor (1801-1804 : Clinton), New York (State). State Historian (1901)
"Technicalities and red tape Deprive them of the Society of their Families. Long Island, August 16th 1779. Sir; We beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that ..."

4. Cannon and Camera: Sea and Land Battles of the Spanish-American War in Cuba by John C. Hemment (1898)
"Scenes at Hempstead—Effects of red tape—Drilling volunteers—Unsanitary conditions in camps North and South —red tape and transportation. ..."

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