What is the origin of the idiom "be beyond a joke" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "be beyond a joke" is unclear, as it has been in use for a considerable period. It is likely that the phrase developed over time through the natural evolution of language and idiomatic usage. This phrase is used to convey that the situation has reached a point where it is no longer funny or tolerable and has become a source of frustration, annoyance, or distress.