"Ivory tower" is a common idiom that refers to a situation where someone is isolated from the realities of life, usually because of their privileged position or academic pursuits. Some synonyms for "ivory tower" include "academic bubble," "elitist enclave," "ivory fortress," or "intellectual vacuum." Other similar phrases to describe someone disconnected from reality might include "living in a bubble," being in a "gilded cage," or "detached from reality." Each of these phrases speaks to the idea of someone being disconnected or isolated from the world around them, often due to a position of privilege or focus on specialized knowledge.