joking aside
idiomUK /ˈdʒəʊ.kɪŋ əˈsaɪd/
US /ˈdʒoʊ.kɪŋ əˈsaɪd/
A phrase you say to show you are now being serious after making a joke.
Joking aside, we really need to finish our homework tonight.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Used to stop joking and start talking about something important.
Joking aside, is everyone okay after the fall?
3. A way to signal that the next words are not a joke.
Joking aside, this test will count for your final grade.
4. A phrase to return to a serious topic after a funny comment.
Joking aside, we should call your parents now.