(all) 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.

all joking aside

Also, all kidding aside. Seriously, as in I know I said I'd quit, but all joking aside this job is too much for one person, or All kidding aside, I hate to lose at croquet. This phrase often accompanies a joking statement.
See also: all, aside, joke
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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
  • joking aside
  • joking apart/aside
  • (all) joking apart
  • (all) kidding aside
  • all kidding aside
  • kidding aside
  • aside
  • apart
  • kid