rubber stamps
Approves without scrutiny
Rubber stamps are devices with raised lettering or images on a rubber surface, pressed onto an ink pad and then onto paper to leave an impression.
They're used to mark documents with standard text: dates, addresses, "APPROVED," "PAID." Figuratively, to rubber-stamp something is to approve it automatically without real scrutiny: The board just rubber-stamps whatever management proposes.
A rubber stamp in this sense is a person or body that gives perfunctory approval.
Effect on the mind
- inkWriting fluid
- markVisible impression or sign
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
- printTransfer text to paper
indentation · pattern · design · emblem · logo · monogram · signature · brand
Bureaucratic obstacles to action
- paperworkAdministrative written tasks
- officialdomCollective administrative authorities
- proceduralFollowing set steps
- administrativeRelated to organization management
clerical · formality · protocol · compliance · regulation · governmental · institutional · documentation
Forceful foot motion
- inkpadPigment-soaked pressing surface
- embossingRaising designs from surfaces
- cardmakingDesigning handmade greetings
- scrapbookingCreating decorated keepsake albums
papercraft · decoupage · stenciling · decorative · handmade · album · collage · template
Operating without intervention
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
- pro formaDone as formality
mechanical · cursory · superficial · thoughtless · mindless · going through motions · box-ticking · formulaic
Formal expression of support
- authorizationFormal permission granted
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- ratificationFormal approval by authority
sanction · confirmation · accreditation · authentication · verification · legitimization · attestation · notarization
impression
Effect on the mind
print · indentation · pattern · design · emblem · logo · monogram · signature · brand · image transfer
red tape
Bureaucratic obstacles to action
- paperworkAdministrative written tasks
- officialdomCollective administrative authorities
- proceduralFollowing set steps
administrative · clerical · formality · protocol · compliance · regulation · governmental · institutional · documentation · registry
stamping
Forceful foot motion
- inkpadPigment-soaked pressing surface
- embossingRaising designs from surfaces
- cardmakingDesigning handmade greetings
scrapbooking · papercraft · decoupage · stenciling · decorative · handmade · album · collage · template
automatic
Operating without intervention
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
pro forma · mechanical · cursory · superficial · thoughtless · mindless · going through motions · box-ticking · formulaic · rote
endorsement
Formal expression of support
- authorizationFormal permission granted
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- certificationAttestation of qualification
ratification · sanction · confirmation · accreditation · authentication · verification · legitimization · attestation · notarization · seal of approval
- bureaucracybureaucracy, bureaucrat, bureaucrats, red tape, civil service
- craftssewing, knitting, painting, glue, scissors
- kids craftsfinger paint, finger painting, crayons, coloring, construction paper
- craft suppliesscissors, paper, tape, glue, paint
- rubber productslatex gloves, surgical gloves, medical gloves, dishwashing gloves, car tires
- vintage officetypewriter, adding machine, mimeograph, dictaphone, Rolodex
rubber stampsdue diligence
Pre-transaction reasonable care
checks and balances · judicial review · independent review · congressional oversight · watchdog
rubber stampsoriginal artwork
First authentic creative work
one-of-a-kind · personal touch · hand-crafted · autographs · custom-made
rubber stampschecks and balances
Constitutional power-limiting framework
veto power · separation of powers · free press · oversight committee · loyal opposition
stamp, rubber, rubbish, stamps, rubberized, rubberize, rubberizing