you've got your work cut out for you

[kittylitter7]

Where does the saying 'you've got your work cut out for you' come from? And one would think if your work was cut out for you, you would n't have that much work to do as surely half the work has been done for you (as it has already been cut out) but as we all know it means the exact opposite. Why is this?

[Quizmonster]

One of the old meanings of 'cut' was 'to prepare'. It was certainly used in this way as long ago as the 17th century, in phrases such as 'Cut him some work to do.' Americans still have this usage in phrases such as 'to cut a cheque'.
This is very much the same as your other question above this one...what seems to imply one thing actually means the opposite! Ah, the joys of English!

[kittylitter7]

Thanks again!!