back to
the Java
color index
back to
the regular
color index
It's a colorful world - red tape!

Colorful idioms used in English
This page ©2000 by Nicholas E. Miller



Colorful English!
Word or Phrase: Part of Speech: Idiom or General?: Usage? Restricted?
red tape noun general->idiomatic common No
Meaning:
official, bureaucratic routines or procedures which are excessively complex and cause delays or things not to be done.
Example(s):
The government has so much red tape, it's surprising it hasn't collapsed under its weight!

Note: