About phrases like 売れに売れる


売れに売れる seems to be a relatively common phrase used to describe something that
sold very well.

I am wondering whether one can substitute other verbs in this phrase or if it
is only used with 売れる.




Some other verbs are possible, but probably まくる is more versatile.

  * その日は飲みに飲んだ

I drank a lot that day.

  * 東京五輪はもめにもめた

There were a lot of disagreements in Tokyo Olympics.

The construction implies a sort of excess.

**Examples where this construction is not possible:**

  * I read a lot of manga

?漫画を読みに読んだ.

漫画を読みまくった is more natural.

  * I watched a lot of films

*私は映画を見に見た

私は映画を見まくった is the only option.




Some other verbs are possible, but probably まくる is more versatile.

  * その日は飲みに飲んだ

I drank a lot that day.

  * 東京五輪はもめにもめた

There were a lot of disagreements in Tokyo Olympics.

The construction implies a sort of excess.

**Examples where this construction is not possible:**

  * I read a lot of manga

?漫画を読みに読んだ.

漫画を読みまくった is more natural.

  * I watched a lot of films

*私は映画を見に見た

私は映画を見まくった is the only option.

