red tape

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does red tape mean? In what situations is red tape used?

Meaning of "red tape"

Meaning

The phrase 'red tape' is an idiom used to describe a situation of excessive or bureaucratic paperwork, or an overly-complicated bureaucratic process or procedures. The term is often used to refer to a situation where officials are overly involved in decisions or processes, causing them to become mired in paperwork and bureaucracy. In this sense, 'red tape' can be seen as a figurative barrier that delays or prevents progress.

Etymology

The expression 'red tape' has its origins in the 16th century, when it was used to describe the red sealing-wax used by public officials in the British government. This wax was used to bind important documents such as laws or treaties. The expression gained popularity in the 19th century, when the excessive use of this wax to bind documents was used as a metaphor for excessive government regulation. By the 20th century, the expression had come to be used to refer to any bureaucratic or overly-complicated process.

Usage

The phrase 'red tape' is often used to describe a situation in which bureaucracy and paperwork have hampered progress or made a situation overly difficult. The phrase can refer to private or governmental organizations, and is often used to refer to situations in which regulations or policies are overly restrictive or interfere with progress. 'Red tape' can also be used to describe situations in which government officials have become overly involved in decisions, delays, or an overly-complicated process.

Example Sentences

• I'm trying to get a permit for my business, but it's taking forever because of all the red tape.
• The government needs to simplify the process or else they will never get anything done, because it's all bogged down in red tape.
• We can't expect things to get done quickly without cutting through the red tape.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.