Crossword Genius

Shaved 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.
(associated in meaning)

'shaved in advance' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'shaved' could be 'pared' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'pared' is found within the answer.
'in advance' could be 'pre' (prefix meaning 'before') and 'pre' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prepared that I've seen before include "Waiting" , "edited" , "Ready for action" , "All set" , "Made or got ready" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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