What was said? “Why is she putting me through all this red tape?”
Did someone really say that? Yes – when asking a colleague for information on a program and the answer kept coming in piecemeal!
What does it mean? Red tape refers to a “roadblock” … or something “off limits.”
Origin: 16th century Spain where King Charles V used to put a red leather string around important documents that needed to stand out and be discussed. The idea is that they remained bound even after discussion – held tight together. Many countries had copied the Spanish Empire tradition of using red tape / string including the US Government. Since the practice was done by the government, it was considered a level of bureaucracy of adding “red tape” so the concept of cutting the red tape refers to reducing the level of bureaucracy or government involvement.
HOT Idioms 
Give me your two cents...