be/get/go beyond a joke
get beyond a joke
To become very alarming. Her illness has gotten beyond a joke now—the doctors say she's in critical condition.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get (or be) beyond a joke
become (or be) something that is serious or worrying. informal 2002 Guardian The rogue animal is believed to have attacked at least six residents in the past week, and his antics are now described by residents as ‘well beyond a joke’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017