joking aside

(all) joking aside

In all seriousness; being frank for a moment. Just flew in from Denver, huh? Your arms must be tired! Joking aside, how was your trip out here? I give my brother a hard time for the gangly way he runs, but all joking aside, he's quite a remarkable athlete.
See also: aside, joke
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(all) joking aside

 and (all) kidding aside
being serious for a moment; in all seriousness. I know I laugh at him but, joking aside, he's a very clever scientist. I know I threatened to leave and go round the world, but, joking aside, I do need a vacation.
See also: aside, joke
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

ˌjoking aˈpart/aˈside

(British English) used to show that you are now being serious after you have said something funny: No, but joking apart, do you think we should go and see if she’s OK?
See also: apart, aside, joke
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (all) joking aside
  • all joking aside
  • (all) joking apart
  • joking apart/aside
  • all kidding aside
  • (all) kidding aside
  • kidding aside
  • aside
  • apart
  • kid
References in classic literature
But joking aside, though; do you know, Rose-bud, that it's all nonsense trying to get any oil out of such whales?
Moby Dick LXVIII CXXXIV
Joking aside, Action Fraud responded: "Report fraudulent Twitter accounts to Twitter.
If only they'd been this hopeless; PENMAN INVESTIGATES
Joking aside, Cabagnot said he's 'gonna miss that spidey dunk.'
Beermen are going to miss Arwind Santos' Spiderman dunk
"Joking aside I cannot wait to pull on the black and white shirt again and entertain them.
Video exclusive: Tino Asprilla sends brilliant message to Newcastle United fans ahead of return 'home'; The former Magpies star is set to spearhead a legendary Toon team's attack in charity game at Gateshead FC next year
'Relaunching our comedy careers.' Joking aside, ticket proceeds are raising funds for The Prince's Trust, the charity that was started by Charles with the PS7,400 severance pay he received when he retired from the Navy in 1976.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! TV GUIDE; OUR PICK OF THE WEEK; To celebrate Prince Charles' milestone 70th, we're all treated to a Palladium party
Joking aside, Richard confirmed that he was definitely not involved in the crime Warwickshire Police were publicising.
Man with a smile similar to e-fit suspect
Joking aside, North East jobs could be at stake as a result of this crass decision.
Explain yourself
Joking aside, I'd encourage everyone to don their thinking caps and submit their suggestions to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ SaintsStreets
Your chance to name a street; Taking the lead
So that they can have a go at him before they have a go at me!" Joking aside, Bruce knows Agbonlahor can make a difference on the day even if he's not fit to play.
'Gaffer Gabby' still has role to play on sidelines
All joking aside though, Bowman is desperate to see Moult extend his stay at Fir Park so they can continue to work on their blossoming partnership - even if it means Moult remains the club's man for penalties.
Moult likely to 'crumble' on new deal
Another said: "Fairy tail - sure you didn't mean 'Furry Tail?'" One fan said: "All joking aside, you would think that any decent tattooist would check his spelling."
A cautionary 'tail!' for Town fan
"Joking aside, it'll be ideal for searching for missing people."
TOON TRENDS
Surely, all feeble joking aside, Cheryl Fernandez-Lipsynchy should have won.
FACE IT, IT WASN'T VERY FUNNY
Joking aside, I did read some other GDN letters pointing out issues that have been overlooked and not addressed and I would like to point out one of these issues.
Overlooked..?
Joking aside, I'm hoping to see plenty of the youngsters blooded against Krasnodar, people like Tyias Browning, Luke Garbutt, Chris Long and Conor McAleny.
Chance for some lesser spotted Blues to shine