Ш-101

ШУТКА ЛИ ШУТКА (ЛИ) СКАЗАТЬ all coll these forms only sent adv, parenth (all variants) indep. clause or predic with subj: infin (1st var. ) fixed WO

it is very important, serious, not a trifle (because it may have serious consequences, is a significant accomplishment etc

sometimes used to express surprise at or admiration of the importance of sth. ): itfs no joke it's no laughing (small) matter (in limited contexts) seriously.

Как только разносится слух, что в лагерь едет Громов, поднимается страшный переполох. Шутка ли, сам Громов! (Марченко 1). As soon as word goes round that Gromov is on his way to the camp there's a terrible hustle and bustle. It's no joke-Gromov in person! (1a).

«Шутка ли, целая жизнь дана нам для собственного испытания, и даже если мы её плохо начали, есть время всё исправить!» (Искандер 5). "Seriously, a whole life is given us for self-examination, and even if we have begun badly, there is time to rectify all!" (5a).