ivory

*in an ivory tower

Fig. in a place, such as a university, where one can be aloof from the realities of living. (Typ—ically: be ~; dwell ~; live ~; work ~.) If you didn't spend so much time in your ivory tower, you'd know what people really think! Many professors are said to live in ivory towers. They don't know what the real world is like.

See also: tower

tickle the ivories

to play the piano. I used to be able to tickle the ivories real nice. She sat down to tickle the ivories for a while.

See also: tickle

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an ivory tower

if you are in an ivory tower, you are in a place or situation where you are separated from ordinary life and its problems How much of the research done by academics in their ivory towers is ever read or published?

See also: tower

tickle/tinkle the ivories  (humorous)

to play the piano

Usage notes: The parts of a piano that you press to play it used to be made of a hard white substance called ivory.

Grandma could tickle the ivories like a professional.

See also: tickle

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tickle the ivories

to play the piano She writes and produces her own music, and also tickles the ivories on her new album.

Usage notes: usually refers to playing the piano informally rather than in a concert

Etymology: from the literal meaning of ivories (piano keys)

See also: tickle