What does the cryptic crossword clue "Come before red tape gets out of hand (7)" mean?

The definition is "Come". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of RED + TAPE = PREDATE; definition: "Come before" The answer is PREDATE.

Come before red tape gets out of hand (7)

Times Cryptic #28702 | 21 Down | 2023-09-07 flower