One pretends to do something, or copy someone or some teacher, until it can be done confidently and easily in what becomes one's own style

I can't bear to hear a woman talk baby talk.

I improve in misquotation.

When I'm married I want to be single, and when I'm single I want to be married.

I'm prepared. I have a gun and I know how to shoot, and whoever comes calling without an invitation will get it in the rear end.

I am reminded of a piece of advice my father gave me regarding shoes. ...He said it is better to buy one good pair of shoes than four cheap ones. One pair made of fine leather could outlast four inferior pairs and, if well-cared-for, would continue to proclaim your good judgment and taste no matter how old they become.

You know I have about the same interest in jewelry as I have in politics, horse racing, modern poetry, and women who need weird excitement – none.