When people say someone is “up in their ivory tower,” they usually mean a boss, expert, or decision-maker who’s comfortable at the top but out of touch with everyday life. What’s interesting is that the phrase didn’t start off as an insult at all.
The term goes back to the Bible, specifically the Song of Songs, where ivory is used as a symbol of beauty, purity, and extreme value. Ivory was rare and expensive, so comparing something to a tower made of ivory was meant as praise — something elevated, impressive, and admired.
In the 19th century, the phrase was picked up by French writers and critics. They used “ivory tower” to describe poets, philosophers, and artists who deliberately removed themselves from everyday society so they could think and create without distraction. At the time, it wasn’t negative — it suggested intellectual independence and a life above petty concerns.
The meaning shifted in the 20th century as universities, governments, and big institutions grew in power. “Ivory tower” became a sarcastic label for people at the top who were seen as detached from reality — making theories, policies, or business decisions without understanding how ordinary people actually live or work.
Today, when someone says “he’s in his ivory tower,” it usually implies privilege, distance, and a lack of real-world experience. The irony is that these towers aren’t built from ivory at all — they’re built on the labour and effort of the people at the bottom.
In short: an ivory tower started as a compliment, became a lifestyle choice, and ended up as a criticism of being out of touch.
Funny thing about ivory towers — they’re never made of ivory, just other people’s work.