all kidding aside »
Used to attempt to make a serious point in a jocular conversation.
|
bad blood »
A serious feud or grudge.
|
bawl out »
To have a serious argument accompanied with shouting.
|
blame Canada »
A catch phrase for shifting attention away from a serious social issue by laying responsibility with Canada.
|
blow out of proportion »
To overreact to or overstate; to treat too seriously or be overly concerned with.
|
buckle down »
To put forth the needed effort; to focus; become serious; apply oneself.
|
but seriously folks »
Directs attention to immediately preceding failed attempt at humor.
|
button-down »
Serious; staid; businesslike.
|
dead duck »
One who is in serious danger or trouble.
|
for keeps »
To compete seriously, with a strong resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
|
for the birds »
Worthless; pointless; not deserving serious consideration.
|
gallows humor »
Comedy that makes light of death or other very serious matters.
|
get one's act together »
To become serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.
|
hammer and tongs »
With tools indicating seriousness of intent and capability of harm.
|
hanging offence »
A crime so serious that it is punishable by means of death by hanging.
|
heart to heart »
A sincere, serious, or personal conversation.
|
in fun »
as a joke; not serious
|
lighten up »
To become less serious and more cheerful or casual; to relax.
|
Loose cannon »
A cannon that breaks loose during battle or a storm and causes serious damage to the ship and its crew.
|
make light of »
To regard without due seriousness; to joke or disregard inappropriately.
|
odd and curious »
A way to designate special coins, namely coins that are both odd and imperfect or seriously damaged.
|
on a whim »
Done without thinking seriously about the consequences.
|
play around »
To work with in a non-serious manner.
|
real deal »
A thing or person which is genuine, authentic, or worthy of serious regard.
|
sell down the river »
To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for the one betrayed.
|
shoot first and ask questions later »
To take action with serious consequences without delay, preserving the benefit of surprise by not providing indication of one's intent.
|
take with a pinch of salt »
Not take entirely seriously.
|
talk turkey »
To talk or negotiate plainly, frankly, or seriously.
|
tongue-in-cheek »
Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.
|
whistle Dixie »
To engage in a pointless or unproductive activity; to do something without resolve, seriousness or commitment.
|
| Like Phrases.net? Why won't you tell a friend about us? |