expression
one should do more than what is literally asked for
Rare proverb meaning that when someone asks for a tool, you should anticipate and bring the related tool as well; used to teach proactive helpfulness.
「鑿と言えば槌」ということわざがある。
There is a proverb, 'When told the chisel, also the mallet.'
先輩は「のみと言えばつち」の精神で、いつも必要なものを先回りして用意してくれる。
My senior, with the spirit of 'when told the chisel, also the mallet,' always prepares what is needed ahead of time.
A traditional Japanese proverb derived from carpentry: when a master asks for a chisel (鑿), a good apprentice also brings the mallet (槌) needed to use it. The exact origin is uncertain.