Noun / Phrase + ならともかく

[If it were X, that would be one thing, but...]

Connection: Noun / Phrase + ならともかく

Usage: Concedes that a certain situation might be acceptable or understandable, but implies that the actual situation is different and less acceptable. "If it were X, fine, but (this is Y, so it's not okay)."

Examples:

子供ならともかく、大人がそんなことをするのは恥ずかしい。(If it were a child, that would be one thing, but for an adult to do such a thing is embarrassing.)

冗談ならともかく、本気で言っているなら問題だ。(If it were a joke, that would be fine, but if you're serious, it's a problem.)

安いものならともかく、こんな高価なものは買えない。(If it were something cheap, that would be fine, but I can't buy something this expensive.)