How does one use the "[V ます stem] に [Vタ]" pattern (as in 待ちに待った)?

Question

Every now and then I hear 待ちに待った, as in: > 待ちに待ったライブ a long-awaited concert I started wondering if this pattern can apply to other verbs, and it certainly seems to, if Google is any indication. I found instances of 望みに望んだ, 祈りに祈った, and even things like 飲みに飲んだ. **Question A**: Can I use this pattern with any verb showing intent? Is there a particular nuance behind it, or does it simply mean "to [verb] and then [verb] some more"? **Question B**: For the linguists in the room (y'all know who you are), how is the に classified in this pattern? Is it the same に as in 買いに行く?

Answer 1

I would say you could use it for almost any verb, but remember in some situations it might be better to approach it a little differently such as 待ちまくった、待ち過ぎた。待機した。願っていたinstead of 望んだor念願のライブ

Direct translation in this situation is : に=And

Example : I waited and waited

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