tongue in cheek
/ˈtʌŋ ɪn ˈtʃik/
adjective
- Said or done in a joking or ironic way, not meant to be taken seriously.
- The article was a tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving family dinners.
- His tongue-in-cheek comment about the weather made everyone laugh.
- She gave a tongue-in-cheek apology that was clearly not sincere.
adverb
- In a joking or ironic manner.
- He spoke tongue-in-cheek when he said he'd rather be at work.
- She tongue-in-cheek suggested they start a club for people who love Mondays.
- The teacher tongue-in-cheek told the class they could have homework every night.