Be no joke
phrase
Something is hard, serious, or intense.
The math exam was no joke, I had to study non-stop for a week.
Often appears as...
- this is no joke
- that was no joke
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
Something is true or real.
Her cooking skills are no joke, she can make anything you want.
Often appears as...
- his strength is no joke
- her talent is no joke
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
Something is hard, serious, or intense.
The math exam was no joke, I had to study non-stop for a week.
Often appears as...
- this is no joke
- that was no joke
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
Something is true or real.
Her cooking skills are no joke, she can make anything you want.
Often appears as...
- his strength is no joke
- her talent is no joke
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Highlight
Use 'be no joke' to emphasize the difficulty or demanding nature of a situation or task.
Training for a marathon is no joke; it takes serious commitment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
It's mostly used in conversational settings; not suitable for very formal writing.
The workload this semester is no joke, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Expresses frustration or respect regarding the challenge faced.
Completing that project on time was no joke; I barely slept.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Highlight
Use 'be no joke' to emphasize the difficulty or demanding nature of a situation or task.
Training for a marathon is no joke; it takes serious commitment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
It's mostly used in conversational settings; not suitable for very formal writing.
The workload this semester is no joke, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Expresses frustration or respect regarding the challenge faced.
Completing that project on time was no joke; I barely slept.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Highlight
Use 'be no joke' to emphasize the difficulty or demanding nature of a situation or task.
Training for a marathon is no joke; it takes serious commitment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
It's mostly used in conversational settings; not suitable for very formal writing.
The workload this semester is no joke, huh?
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Expresses frustration or respect regarding the challenge faced.
Completing that project on time was no joke; I barely slept.
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