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be no joke

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be no joke

1. To be a serious and important topic or situation. Your grades are no joke. Unless you want to repeat the ninth grade, you need to start studying.

2. To be impressive, especially moreso than one or others originally thought. Wow, this restaurant is no joke. All the great reviews were right. This boxer is no joke. You've got to take him seriously or you'll find yourself knocked out.

See also: joke

be no joke

if a situation is no joke, it is very serious or very difficult There are two of us here, trying to do the work of four people - it's no joke.

See also: joke