Cut in advance to be ready? (8)
I believe the answer is:
prepared
'be ready?' is the definition.
('prepared' can be similar in meaning to 'ready')
'cut in advance' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'cut' could be 'pared' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'pared' is found in the answer.
'in advance' could be 'pre' (prefix meaning 'before') and 'pre' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prepared that I've seen before include "Waiting" , "Made or got ready" , "Ready for action" , "All set" , "edited" .)