In a single sentence the critic could hit off the novelist's manner, capturing his habitual rhythms and quirks with a few deft strokes.

The comedian was hitting off the politician's mannerisms to make the audience laugh.

She hits off the singer's accent so convincingly that even native speakers are fooled.

After circling the thicket in confusion, the old hound hit off the line and set off at a tearing pace toward the fleeing fox.