red tape

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You can probably still do it, make no mistake, but it might take you a few minutes, and there’s a chance you’ll get caught in red tape.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

"This will allow us to deliver a 'food & drink' trade deal worth £5.1bn a year, backing British jobs and slashing costly red tape for our farmers, producers and businesses."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In San Francisco, Lurie has enjoyed high approval ratings and amassed a social-media following with his relentless boosterism and focus on cleaning up and cutting red tape.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In California, state legislators are debating how to protect residents and natural resources without creating so much red tape that developers go elsewhere, taking their jobs and taxable earnings with them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Mom was skilled at charming her way around corruption, which had helped her cut through the endless red tape it took to get the sanctuary off the ground.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer