Amtsschimmel basically means “red tape”. However, it’s composition is interesting. The first part of the word, “Amt”, means “office” and “Schimmel” either refers to “mildew”, “grey horse” or “simile” (from Latin similis = form). It is unclear which of the three meanings of Schimmel actually is represented in Amtsschimmel. However, there is an expression called “Der Amtsschimmel wiehert.” (The Amtsschimmel is neighing). This would refer back to the grey horse. In English, this expression would translate as: It’s red-tape all the way.