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 tell it like it is.
If someone tells it like it is, he/she speaks the truth directly, bluntly and to the point even if what is being said is unpleasant for the listener.
E.g. If you really want the truthful answer, just ask him. He won’t hold back. He always tells it like it is.
To work like magic.
If something works like magic, it works extremely well. It is very effective.
E.g. I tried the new product for the first time yesterday and was very impressed. It worked like magic.
Have fun learning English!
Louise