ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut red tape

idiom
Meaning

To reduce bureaucracy.


Origin

disputed origin

from cut "to remove" + red tape "excessive bureaucratic procedures"

Examples
SIMPLE

The new mayor promised to cut red tape for small businesses.

CONTEXTUAL

Starting a restaurant used to take months, but the city cut red tape and now it takes weeks.

COMPLEX

Determined to attract foreign investment, the reformist government moved swiftly to cut red tape, slashing permit times from years to mere months.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bleed red ink

    To suffer from severe net losses.

  2. 02

    clap one's hands red

    To clap or applaud intensely.

  3. 03

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  4. 04

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  5. 05

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  6. 06

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

  7. 07

    cut a rug

    To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.

  8. 08

    cut a swath

    Alternative form of cut a wide swath.

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