I keep hearing people getting confused between metaphors and simile, and it drives me mad. It's early high school English. Sort it out. (English as a second language speakers are forgiven though, but native speakers really should know better).

p.s. I do know the answer - but I'm not gonna post it. And neither should you. Let the poll results speak.

p.p.s. I'm so sick of "like a ____" lyrics, so lazy.

Simile.

Comparison using like/as = simile
Comparison not using like/as = metaphor

So it's a simile

Then why does ATRL always call a simile, a metaphor, and then expect me to take their opinions seriously?

Simile.

Simile as the word like is used.

It's a simile, but a simile is also a metaphor. So technically it's both, a metaphor and, more specifically, a simile.

It's both in fact, according to Cambridge :

just enjoy the song, it's my fav lead single by her.

Circus isn't a lead^

It's a simile

Both examples provided are metaphors. "Like a Circus" is a simile.


--
God, I wish the poll was public

A Madonna stan complaining about songs with similes. Uhmm, sis

It's a metaphorical simile tbh!