- A metaphorical place or state of being secluded or detached from the realities and practicalities of everyday life.
- Often used critically to describe academics, intellectuals, or leaders perceived as out of touch with common concerns.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase appears in the Bible (Song of Solomon 7:4), describing a neck's beauty: Thy neck is as a tower of ivory. It symbolized purity and beauty.
- Its modern meaning of detached intellectualism was popularized by the French literary critic Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve in the 19th century. He used tour d'ivoire to describe the aloof, withdrawn attitude of the poet Alfred de Vigny.
- It implies a privileged, sheltered existence where one can pursue intellectual or aesthetic interests without engaging with messy real-world problems.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Living in their own little world.
- Totally clueless (about practical matters).
- Got their head in the sand. (Ignoring reality)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong criticism/contempt):
- Talking out of their ass. (Speaking without knowledge/experience)
- They don't know shit about the real world.
- Up their own ivory ass. (Adding vulgarity for emphasis)
Milder/Standard:
- Detached.
- Sheltered.
- Lacking practical experience.
- Theoretically focused.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Often used critically or pejoratively. Avoid using it lightly about someone's profession (like academia) unless you intend to criticize their perceived detachment.
- Can be seen as an unfair stereotype, especially by those in academia or research.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners need to grasp that it's metaphorical and usually critical. It doesn't refer to a real tower made of ivory. Focus on the meaning of detachment and being out of touch.
Examples
- Some critics argue that university professors live in an ivory tower, disconnected from the job market.
- His policy proposals sound good in theory, but they seem crafted in an ivory tower, ignoring the practical challenges.
- She decided to leave academia, feeling trapped in an ivory tower and wanting to make a more direct impact.
Dialogue
Citizen 1: The city council's new traffic plan is ridiculous! It'll cause chaos during rush hour.
Citizen 2: I agree. It feels like something cooked up in an ivory tower by people who never actually drive during peak times.
Citizen 1: Exactly! They need to get out here and see what it's really like.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Reading some academic papers on poverty that feel so theoretical. A reminder that solutions can't just come from an ivory tower; they need community input. #poverty #research #community
- Comment on a political article: This politician is living in an ivory tower if they think this policy will work for average families.
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, they seem completely out of touch. / That's a fair criticism.
- Disagreement/Defense: That's unfair; their research has real-world applications. / It's not an ivory tower; it's a space for deep thinking.
- Acknowledgment: I can see why people might think that.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone is accused of being in an ivory tower:
- They (or their defenders) might provide examples of their real-world engagement or the practical relevance of their work.
- The critic might elaborate on why they perceive detachment.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to describe or critique a person, group, or institution's perceived detachment, usually within a conversation or argument.
Intonation
- Often carries a critical or slightly disdainful tone.
- Emphasis on IVORY TOWER.
Generation Differences
- Understood across generations, but the critique it represents (intellectuals vs. 'real world') might resonate differently with various age and social groups.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.