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.
There is a proverb, 'When told the chisel, also the mallet.'
My senior, with the spirit of 'when told the chisel, also the mallet,' always prepares what is needed ahead of time.
Kana form of the proverb, more readable but still rare.
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.