joking apart/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.
joking apart
In all seriousness; being frank for a moment. Primarily heard in UK. Just flew in from Denver, huh? Your arms must be tired! Joking apart, how was your trip out here? I give my brother a hard time for the gangly way he runs, but joking apart, he's quite a remarkable athlete.
(all) joking aside
and (all) kidding asidebeing 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.