(with) (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek

(with) (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek

Definition: in a way that is not serious, although it may seem so

Examples:

She was offended by his remarks, not knowing that he was only joking with tongue in cheek.
He said, tongue in cheek, that he had to stay at home to study for his exam.

See also: W Idioms, Idioms Containing Special Keywords