New order for red tape to be gradually reduced (7)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
tapered
'gradually reduced' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'new order for red tape' is the wordplay.
'new order for' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'red'+'tape'='redtape'
'redtape' is an anagram of '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" .)