There are many expressions commonly used in English to express similarity.
There is no magic rule to help you remember them. You just have to learn them. Sorry!
Take a look at the examples below.
To treat (someone or something) like dirt.
If a person treats another person like dirt, they behave disrespectfully towards that person. They behave as though the other person has less (or no) value.
E.g. It’s no surprise at all that staff don’t stay at that company for very long. The boss treats them like dirt.
(To work) like a dream.
If something works like a dream, it works very well – perhaps better than expected.
E.g. Our plan worked like a dream. We all got the result we wanted and the boss was very pleased.
Have fun learning English!
Louise