What is the meaning of jokes apart?

The phrase "jokes apart" is used to signal a change in tone from lighthearted or humorous to serious or more sincere. It essentially means "getting back to the real issue" or "now, seriously..."

Here are some examples:

* "Jokes apart, I'm really worried about this project." This indicates that the speaker has been joking around but now wants to discuss something important.

* "Jokes apart, we need to find a solution to this problem." This signals a shift from a casual conversation to a more focused and serious discussion.

* "Jokes apart, I'm glad we're finally getting to see each other again." This implies that the speaker was joking around but is genuinely happy to be with the other person.

Essentially, "jokes apart" serves as a bridge between humor and seriousness, allowing for a transition in the conversation's tone.