The project failed from death by a thousand paper cuts.
death by a thousand paper cuts
idiomAn ultimate negative outcome, such as the failure of a project, brought about by an excessive number of bureaucratic hurdles.
Origin
disputed originBlend of death by a thousand cuts + paper cut. The "thousand cuts" of the original phrase are now inflicted by paper, a metonym for bureaucracy.
We lost the contract because of death by a thousand paper cuts, as every small rule change slowed us down.
The once-thriving company eventually collapsed, suffering a slow death by a thousand paper cuts caused by endless administrative delays and minor policy shifts.
- 01
article of death
The moment of death.
- 02
bat a thousand
To achieve success at each attempt.
- 03
catch one's death
To contract a serious illness, especially a nasty cold or other respiratory ailment and especially as a result of exposure to wet or chilly weather.
- 04
death and taxes
Something which is totally certain.
- 05
death by PowerPoint
The boredom or disengagement that an audience experiences from poorly designed or overly verbose presentations using any type of presentation software.
- 06
die a thousand deaths
To suffer repeatedly (often mentally rather than physically); to suffer extreme embarrassment or anxiety.
- 07
kiss of death
Something that may seem good and favorable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.
- 08
living death
A condition of suffering, solitude, or impairment so extreme as to deprive one's existence of all happiness and meaning.