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Red tape

Red tape

Meaning

Bureaucracy, especially in public business.

Examples

It’s hardly worth applying for a grant from the council. There’s so much red tape to contend with it will take years.

Where did it originate?

Britain – 18th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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  • How did the idiom “Red tape” originate?

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Red tape

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