Joke

All kidding aside

Meaning

Said when you want people to realise you are speaking seriously, when they might otherwise think you were joking.

Examples

I know I’m dressed as a circus clown for the party but, believe me, the kitchen is on fire.

Where did it originate?

USA, 20th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.