ivory tower
1 of 1nouna situation or state in which someone does not know or wishes to avoid the unpleasant things that can normally happen to people in their ordinary lives
The idiom "ivory tower" traces its origins to the 19th century and is believed to have been popularized by the French poet Alfred de Vigny. It refers to the idea of an isolated, remote, and often unrealistic place where intellectuals, scholars, or academics engage in pursuits that are disconnected from the practical concerns and realities of everyday life. The term "ivory" in the phrase symbolizes a sense of purity, privilege, and detachment from the world. This expression is often used to criticize or describe individuals, particularly intellectuals or academics, who are perceived as being out of touch with the real world or as having impractical and idealistic views.
- The book was written by some college professor who's spent her entire professional life in an ivory tower.
- The professor's theories are intriguing, but they often come across as ivory tower ideas that don't consider real-world constraints.
- Some politicians accuse economists of living in ivory towers, unaware of the struggles of working-class citizens.
- It's easy to sit in your ivory tower and criticize, but solving these problems requires understanding the complexities of the situation.
- He needs to come down from his ivory tower and see how his policies affect everyday people.