idiom
Business
Red Tape
RED TAYP
/rɛd teɪp/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
Redtape
Dictionary meaning
Excessive bureaucracy or official rules and procedures that hinder progress.
Examples
- The startup was frustrated by the red tape required to obtain the necessary permits.
Pronunciation tips
Stress on 'red' and 'tape'. Origin: the red ribbon used to bind official documents.
People also look up
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Call it a day
Cawl it a day
Cut to the chase
Cut to the chayss
On the same page
On the saym payj
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