beside the question

Tangential or irrelevant to the main issue being discussed. I do love the apartment, but that's beside the question because I don't have enough money for a security deposit right now. Your weekend plans are beside the question—let's get back to the topic at hand. A: "Hey, we're talking about how you got caught sneaking in last night—my role in any of that is beside the question!" B: "I'm not so sure it is! Mom and Dad, what do you think?"