go beyond a joke

go beyond a joke

To become very alarming or serious. Her illness has gone beyond a joke now—the doctors say she's in critical condition. The infestation is going beyond a joke for the residents of the small town, who have become positively overrun with the invasive insects. Didn't you watch the weather report? This storm is expected to go beyond a joke as soon as it moves inland!

See also: beyond, go, joke

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be/get/go beyond a ˈjoke

be no longer funny; be serious: This has got beyond a joke! Open this door and let me out at once! ♢ The state of the roads in this country is beyond a joke.

See also: beyond, get, go, joke

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017