cut red tape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut red tape" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of reducing bureaucratic obstacles or simplifying procedures. Example: The new policy aims to cut red tape for small businesses seeking permits. Alternative expressions include "streamline processes" and "reduce bureaucracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the government could cut red tape.

The Economist

Meanwhile it has cut red tape for repeat entrepreneurs.

The Economist

And the government only belatedly started to cut red tape.

The Economist

It wants to cut red tape for small businesses.

The Guardian

Cut red tape to encourage more live music.

The Guardian

The government says it will cut red tape to get new nuclear stations built.

The Economist

Businesspeople got on with him because he held taxes down and cut red tape.

The Economist

There are plenty of opportunities to cut red tape in the process.

The Economist

"I have always been known to be someone who can cut red tape," Lhota said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Narendra Modi was elected prime minister, promising to reform the economy and cut red tape.

The Economist

FOR impatient souls, the government's attempts to cut red tape exemplify its lack of grip.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "cut red tape" to describe efforts to simplify overly complex procedures, particularly in governmental or organizational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "cut red tape" when referring to necessary regulations designed to protect consumers or ensure safety. The phrase typically applies to excessive or inefficient bureaucracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut red tape" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of reducing or eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to indicate efforts to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cut red tape" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct expression used to describe efforts to reduce or eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions about policy and efficiency. While generally used positively, it's important to consider whether the regulations being addressed are truly unnecessary. Alternative phrases such as "streamline bureaucracy" or "simplify procedures" may be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce bureaucracy

Emphasizes a general decrease in the amount of bureaucracy.

streamline bureaucracy

Focuses on making bureaucratic processes more efficient and less cumbersome.

simplify procedures

Highlights the act of making procedures less complex.

ease regulations

Suggests making regulations less strict or burdensome.

deregulate processes

Implies the removal of regulations to ease processes.

simplify administrative tasks

Targets the simplification of tasks related to administration.

expedite processes

Emphasizes speeding up processes to improve efficiency.

eliminate obstacles

Focuses on removing barriers that hinder progress.

remove impediments

Similar to eliminating obstacles, but with a slightly more formal tone.

decentralize authority

Implies dispersing authority to reduce centralized bureaucratic control.

FAQs

How can I use "cut red tape" in a sentence?

You can use "cut red tape" to describe actions taken to simplify bureaucratic processes. For example: "The government is working to "cut red tape" for small businesses."

What's a good alternative to "cut red tape"?

Alternatives include "streamline bureaucracy", "reduce bureaucracy", or "simplify procedures", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to "cut red tape"?

While "cut red tape" generally implies a positive action, it's important to consider whether the regulations being removed are genuinely unnecessary or if they serve a vital protective function.

What does "red tape" actually refer to?

"Red tape" refers to the excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities, especially when perceived as unnecessarily complex or hindering action or decision-making.