THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Red tape
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Official rules and procedures that seem unnecessarily complicated and cause delays.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The small arts group struggled with red tape when applying for a venue permit.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The small arts group struggled with ________ when applying for a venue permit.
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Red tape — Official rules and procedures that seem unnecessarily complicated and cause delays.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Red tape” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Official rules and procedures that seem unnecessarily complicated and cause delays.
Compare: The small arts group struggled with red tape when applying for a venue permit.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this disapproving expression about burdensome administration. It is common in conversation and workplace writing, but it expresses a judgement rather than neutrally naming all paperwork.
More examples in context
- We hope the simpler form will reduce red tape.
- The project was delayed by what the team considered unnecessary red tape.
Usage note
“Red tape” is uncountable: say “too much red tape”, not “too many red tapes”. Necessary checks are not automatically red tape; the phrase suggests that the process seems excessive.
A short conversation
A: Why hasn’t the club opened its new room?
B: They are still dealing with red tape around the application.
A: I hope the remaining steps are clear.
One more practice question
Which phrase is grammatically correct?
A. “There are too many red tapes.”
B. “There is too much red tape.”
Check your answer
B. “Red tape” is uncountable in this figurative meaning.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.