Crossword Genius

Cut in advance to be ready? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prepared

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'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" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.