ivory tower
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.
Such a proposal looks fine from an ivory tower, but it could never work in real life.
ADJ
solid | carved | poached
VERB + IVORY
be made from/(out) of, carve sth from/in
The ancient piano keys were made from ivory, which is now illegal to trade.
be inlaid with
The antique piano keys were inlaid with ivory, giving them a smooth, white appearance.
IVORY + NOUN
trade
PREP
in ~
The museum displayed a beautiful carved elephant figurine in ivory from the nineteenth century.
PHRASES
the trade in ivory