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Red tape Meaning in English

expression

ˈɹɛd/ /ˈteɪp
RED TAYP
ɹˈɛd/ /tˈeɪp
RED TAYP

释义

Complicated rules and procedures, especially in government or official organizations, that cause delays or make things harder than necessary.

用法与细微差别

'Red tape' is usually used in a negative sense to criticize too much bureaucracy. It often comes after verbs like 'cut' or 'reduce', e.g., 'cut the red tape.' Common in both formal and informal speech, especially about government or official paperwork.

例句

It takes a long time to get a visa because of all the red tape.

basic

Small businesses struggle with too much red tape.

basic

We have to fill out a lot of forms because of red tape.

basic

If there wasn’t so much red tape, we’d get things done a lot faster.

natural

They promised to cut the red tape for new housing projects.

natural

Applying for benefits is such a headache because of all the red tape involved.

natural