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ivory tower

A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.

Etymology:

  • 1911, calque of French figurative use, based on literal biblical phrase.
  • Originally Song of Solomon 7:4, used as simile for the woman’s beautiful neck:
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“

Such a proposal looks fine from an ivory tower, but it could never work in real life.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to ivory tower

tower blocktickle the ivoryebony and ivorytower over

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