Crossword Genius

New order for red tape to be gradually reduced (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tapered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gradually reduced' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'new order for red tape' is the wordplay.
'new order for' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'red'+'tape'='redtape'
'redtape' anagrammed gives 'TAPERED'.

'to be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tapered that I've seen before include "Narrow" , "With thickness reduced towards an end" , "Narrowing towards one end" , "Pointed" , "Gradually diminished" .)

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