ivory tower
Meaning: An isolated environment where one is out of touch with everyday reality; a place of retreat where one concentrates on intellectual rather than everyday matters.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression suggests an ivory (white) tower high above the masses. An ivory tower is often associated with an academic or university environment, which is said to be isolated from the real world, e.g., business and politics.
More idioms — Daily Life
- jack of all trades — A person who knows a little about a lot of different subjects or activities, but not a lo…
- john hancock — One's signature.
- johnny-come-lately — A newcomer.
- jump the gun — To do something prematurely; to start early, before all the preparations have been made.
- jumping-off point — A starting place or inspiration.
- keep one's cool — To stay calm under stress; not to become angry.
More English idioms
- kangaroo court — A court set up outside the regular legal system; staged trial where the outcome is set fr…
- keep one's eyes peeled — To be alert and watchful; to look very carefully for something or someone.
- keep one's fingers crossed — To hope for something; to wish for luck.
- keep one's shirt on — To stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry.
- keep one's wits about one — To pay attention and be ready to react.
- keep someone at arm's length — To keep someone at a distance emotionally.
Loading the full interactive collection…