disapproving
: a series of actions or complicated tasks that seem unnecessary but that a government or organization requires you to do in order to get or do something
bureaucratic red tape
You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.
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“Red tape.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/red%20tape. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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