WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

The problem with the partial words below  can be stated in a common four-word phrase. Can you determine the phrase and eliminate the problem?

GER
SPLID
FRILY
PRETING
AMMENT

HINT:

The same three letters will complete each word.

Answer:

The phrase that states the problem is NO END IN SIGHT:

gENDer
splENDid
friENDly
pretENDing
amENDment

Credit: NY Times Crossword - Aug. 24, 1986
Arnold Moss - idea
NO END IN SIGHT