tape (redirected from adhesive tape)

cut through red tape

Fig. to eliminate or neutralize something complicated, such as bureaucratic rules and procedures. I will try to cut through all the red tape for you so you get your visa on time. I am sure someone can help us cut through all this red tape.

See also: cut, red, through

red tape

Fig. over-strict attention to the wording and details of rules and regulations, especially by government workers. (From the color of the tape used by government departments in England to tie up bundles of documents.) Because of red tape, Frank took weeks to get a visa. Red tape prevented Jack's wife from joining him abroad.

See also: red

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have somebody taped  (British & Australian informal)

to know that someone is doing something bad and therefore be able to deal with them Spencer doesn't worry me - I've got him taped.

See also: have

red tape

official rules which do not seem necessary and make things happen very slowly My passport application has been held up by red tape.

See be on full alert, go beet red, go beetroot, roll out the red carpet, see red

See also: red