Bureaucracy (3,4) Crossword Clue
Answer: RED TAPE (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Bureaucracy (3,4)" with 7 letters is "RED TAPE".Red tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to rules, often resulting in inefficiency or delay in processes, typically associated with bureaucratic procedures. It describes the complex and often frustrating administrative processes that can slow down or hinder progress in organizations or governments.
Why "Red Tape" Fits
The clue asks for a two-word phrase with pattern (3,4) meaning "bureaucracy." The answer, RED TAPE, fits perfectly:
- Bureaucracy: Red tape is a common term for excessive or inefficient bureaucratic rules and formalities that hinder progress — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With three letters in the first word and four in the second, the enumeration (3,4) aligns perfectly with the phrase.
- Precise meaning: The phrase conveys the sensation of bureaucratic obstruction and ceremonial procedure often associated with official processes.
Red tape has historic origins in the bureaucratic growth of governments:
Origin and usage:
- The term stems from the practice of binding important documents with red tape in official offices, signifying sealed, formal processes.
- It has evolved into a broad idiom used to criticize cumbersome administrative processes across many countries and contexts.
Cultural significance:
- The phrase is widely used in politics, journalism, business, and everyday speech to describe frustrating regulatory hurdles.
- It often appears in discussions about policy reform or efficiency improvements.
Examples:
- “The project was delayed by red tape.”
- “They’re trying to cut through the red tape to get permits faster.”
- “Excessive red tape can stifle innovation.”
In quick crosswords like "Bureaucracy (3,4)," clues frequently point to common idioms describing administrative friction:
Definition: The phrase directly defines bureaucracy in a colloquial sense.
Clue type: Straightforward definition clue — no wordplay.
Solving approach:
- Think of familiar phrases that denote bureaucratic red tape (e.g., red tape, bureaucratic bloat).
- The (3,4) structure is a perfect fit for this well-known expression.
Crossword pattern: Administrative language and policy-related terms like red tape are staples in crosswords due to their recognizable imagery.
