Crossword Genius

Communist measure demonstrates excessive bureaucracy (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red tape

'excessive bureaucracy' is the definition.
(red tape means bureaucracy)

'communist measure' is the wordplay.
'communist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean communist).
'measure' becomes 'tape' (I've seen this before).
'red'+'tape'='RED-TAPE'

'demonstrates' is the link.

(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "legally binding" , "Needlessly time-consuming procedures" , "Bureaucratic procedures and paperwork" , "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" , "What may be binding" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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