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English Phrase of the Day

red tape



Definitions

English > English
red tape
     1. n. The binding tape once used for holding important documents together.
     2. n. (metonym, idiomatic) Time-consuming regulations or bureaucratic procedures.
           All the red tape and paperwork that goes on there prevents any progress.
Analysis
Red
     1. n. A Communist.
     2. n. A supporter of a sports team who wears red as part of their kit.
     3. adj. Communist
           the Red Army
     4. adj. Having red as its color.
tape
     1. n. Flexible material in a roll with a sticky surface on one or both sides; adhesive tape.
           Hand me some tape. I need to fix a tear in this paper.
     2. n. Thin and flat paper, plastic or similar flexible material, usually produced in the form of a roll.
           After the party there was tape all over the place.
     3. n. Finishing tape, stretched across a track to mark the end of a race.

Example Sentences

It's just more laws and red tape



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