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The English We Speak

From BBC learning English.

com Hello Rob. See Learning English. English. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I have to get a permit to build an extension to my house.

It's a very small bit of building work, but I have to fill in all these forms.

What's this one for?

Well, this one here is for my local council. I need to apply for planning

permission. And then they want lots of supporting documents to make sure it fits in with

building regulations. Oh, it sounds exhausting. It is I hate red tape. If I could

cut through this red tape it would be brilliant. So your problem is red tape?

Say no more Rob, the solution is in my bag.

Ah, here they are. A pair of scissors and blue tape? Yes, you use the scissors to cut through your

ret tape, and if you don't like Wret tape use blue I love the color blue.

Thank you Faye you're a good friend but in English we call the rules and

processes required to get official permits, which usually seem pointless,

red tape.

Ah, bureaucracy.

Let's hear some examples of how this expression is used.

Small firms won't be subject to new regulations under a government plan to cut red tape and boost the economy.

Andrea almost gave up studying abroad.

The amount of red tape to get a visa was unbelievable.

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