No pun intended

There are times when writing a phrase that could have more than one meaning that you want the reader to know you aren't trying to be funny.
So you say 'no pun intended.'

Of course, sometimes when I am trying to be funny and punnish, I say 'No pun intended.' in order to be funnier.

You might give us an example of why the subject came up,

Joe

Someone whose first language isn't english asked and I did a poor job of explaining it to her and she didn't get it. I'm hoping for a second chance to redeem myself.

Humor is hard enough to explain in one's own language, nevermind translate into another's.

Joe