Officially, it's binding (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
red tape
'binding' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Colourful ribbon associated with bureaucracy" , "legally binding" , "Bureaucratic delay" , "Intricate official routine" , "Time consuming bureaucracy" .)