Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Red tape

Official rules and bureaucracy that make it difficult to do something

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "red tape" is (2) Official rules and bureaucracy that make it difficult to do something.

The term "red tape" is believed to have originated in the 18th century, when government documents were often tied up with red tape. Today, the term is used to refer to any kind of bureaucratic rule or regulation that makes it difficult to get things done.

The other options do not fit the meaning of the idiom.

• Catch someone at the moment they are doing something wrong means to surprise someone while they are committing a crime or other wrongdoing.
• Have a negative amount in your bank balance means to owe money to the bank.
• Something unimportant that takes attention away from the main subject is called a "red herring".