繁文缛节 red tape
Explanation
指过分繁琐的礼仪或规章制度，也比喻其他繁琐多余的事项。
Refers to excessive and cumbersome ceremonies or rules and regulations, and also refers to other cumbersome and redundant matters.
Origin Story
从前，有一个小国，国王非常注重礼仪，凡事都按照古老的规矩来办。一次，邻国使者来访，迎接使者的队伍浩浩荡荡，仪式繁复冗长，从宫门口到宫殿，足足走了三个时辰。使者一开始还觉得隆重，但时间一长，就感到厌烦，甚至有些不耐烦。等终于到了宫殿，使者已经疲惫不堪。国王的各种繁文缛节，让使者感到心力交瘁。他觉得这次访问，完全被繁文缛节给耽误了。从此，这个小国在其他国家的名声就变差了，大家都觉得这个国家过于繁琐。这个故事告诉我们，虽然礼仪很重要，但过犹不及，繁文缛节只会适得其反。
Once upon a time, there was a small country whose king placed great importance on etiquette. Everything was done according to ancient customs. Once, envoys from a neighboring country came to visit. The welcoming procession was enormous, and the ceremonies were lengthy and complex. From the palace gate to the palace, it took three full hours. The envoys initially felt honored, but as time went on, they became bored and even annoyed. By the time they finally reached the palace, they were completely exhausted. The king's many formalities left the envoys exhausted and overwhelmed. They felt that the visit had been completely wasted by the many ceremonies. From then on, the small country's reputation worsened. Everyone thought the country was overly complicated. This story shows us that although etiquette is important, it should not be overdone. Too much formality is counterproductive.
Usage
用作主语、宾语、定语；指过分繁琐的礼仪或规章制度，也比喻其他繁琐多余的事项。
Used as a subject, object, or attributive; refers to excessive and cumbersome ceremonies or rules and regulations, and also refers to other cumbersome and redundant matters.
Examples
-
这公司办事效率太低，总是繁文缛节的。
zhè gōngsī bànshì xiàolǜ tài dī, zǒngshì fánwénrùjié de。
The company is too inefficient; it always follows too many formalities.
-
申请手续太繁文缛节了，让人感到厌烦。
shēnqǐng shǒuxù tài fánwénrùjié le, ràng rén gǎndào yànfán。
The application procedure is too complicated and annoying for people.