lilith
What's the meaning of these phrases? To cut the red tape To reverse the trend To bring in legislation
Jun 16, 2022 7:33 AM
Answers · 3
1
Just to add to this, I agree with Maggie, but "red tape" isn't necessarily legal (in fact it usually isn't). "Red tape" refers to any overly complex procedure or routine, or anything which is excessively bureaucratic e.g. "teachers often complain about the red tape which accompanies their job". It is often used without a definite article e.g. "tourism can be hampered by red tape at a country's border".
June 16, 2022
1
To cut (throught) the red tape = to go around/circumvent legal obstacles in order to achieve something. (I expected difficulties, but my friend who is a lawyer helped me cut through the red tape.) To reverse the trend = to change a trend, pattern, or popular thing so that the opposite/contrary happens. (Unemployment rates keep going up, but the mayor hopes that this new tax incentive will reverse the trend.) To bring in legislation = to propose/introduce a new law. (The democrats have brought in legislation to combat the rise in unemployment.)
June 16, 2022
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!