tháp ngà

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The Vietnamese word "tháp ngà" translates to "ivory tower" in English.

Meaning:

• Tháp ngà literally refers to a tall, ornate structure made of ivory, but metaphorically, it describes a state of intellectual or academic detachment from everyday life. It suggests a place where people are so focused on their ideas and theories that they lose touch with practical realities.

Usage Instructions:

• "Tháp ngà" is used in a metaphorical sense rather than a literal one. You would use it to describe someone who is overly focused on abstract concepts or is disconnected from real-world issues.

Example:

• "Giáo sư đó sống trong tháp ngà, không hiểu được những khó khăn của sinh viên." (Translation: "That professor lives in an ivory tower, not understanding the difficulties of the students.")

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you can use "tháp ngà" to critique academic or theoretical perspectives that lack practical application. For instance, in debates about policy-making, you might say: - "Những ý tưởng đó chỉ là lý thuyết trong tháp ngà mà thôi."
(Translation: "Those ideas are merely theories in an ivory tower.")

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "tháp ngà," but you may encounter related phrases or idioms that convey similar meanings regarding intellectual detachment.

Different Meanings:

While "tháp ngà" primarily refers to the metaphorical ivory tower, it can sometimes be used to describe a literal ivory tower in artistic or literary contexts.

Synonyms:

• Vùng an toàn (safe zone) - refers to a comfortable space where one avoids challenges.
• Mơ mộng (daydream) - while not an exact synonym, it conveys a sense of being lost in thought or detached from reality.

Academic

noun

1. pvory tower