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.

He said many want to operate legally but get caught up in red tape and called for a more "organized, sustainable model."

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Recently, after a long day in a local gym hearing complaints from residents with exorbitant electrical bills and business owners facing red tape, she met with a group of politicians from Colima state.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

For US companies, China remains both a major market and a difficult operating environment due to regulation, red tape and geopolitical uncertainty.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

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

At first, my mom and I operate on our own schedules and in the evenings it’s like someone’s come in and divided the house with red tape.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy