red tape 1. (旧时用以捆扎公文的)红带 2. 〈贬〉繁文缛节，官样文章，拖拉费时的繁琐手续 cut (the) red tape to a minimum 把繁文缛节减至最低限度 He gets things done by cutting through the bureaucratic red tape. 他能避开官僚的繁文缛节把事情迅速办成。 Applying for the grant involves a great deal of red tape. 申请拨款补助须经好一番繁琐手续。