Red tape的意思
"Red tape" is an English idiom that refers to excessive bureaucracy or unnecessary administrative procedures that are time-consuming and hinder progress or efficiency. The term is often used to describe the frustrating and complicated processes associated with government paperwork, regulations, and official procedures. It implies that these bureaucratic hurdles can be as tangled and confusing as a roll of red tape.
The origin of the phrase is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to date back to the 17th or 18th century when government documents were tied up with red tape for security or to keep them organized. Over time, the term came to symbolize the frustrating and often nonsensical aspects of bureaucracy.
Here are some examples of how "red tape" might be used in a sentence:
- "Applying for a visa involves a lot of red tape; it's a tedious process."
- "The new regulations will inevitably lead to more red tape for businesses to navigate."
- "The committee's decision was delayed due to the excessive red tape involved in the approval process."
In each case, "red tape" is used to denote the cumbersome and often unnecessary administrative hurdles that need to be overcome.