1
general::
Phrase(s): (all) joking aside [and] (all) kidding aside
being 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs