red tape; bureaucratic delay
Refers to excessive bureaucracy, rigid procedures, or administrative obstacles. Often used in business or government contexts.
We were frustrated by government red tape when starting the new business.
Reforms are underway to reduce red tape.
Variant with interpunct; less common in running text.
Loanword from English 'red tape', originally referring to the red ribbon used to bind official documents in British government, symbolizing bureaucratic delay.