Then there's cross dressing and cross dressers, but I suppose that's altogether a different topic.

It sounds so precious to hear Britishers talking about going to hospital. Here in the USA we would say we're going "to the hospital." So there appear to be certain phrases in which we differ in when we use the definite article--or an article at all.

We say, "Open the door" but we have an "open door policy."

Imagine losing the definite article altogether:

You hit nail on head.

I wonder whether it has to do with cadence? Of course, I wouldn't say "it has to do with the cadence."

It reminds me of a bird practicing song--some rhythms work; others don't. And it must be the hell to play for poor souls who have to learn the English.

Beats me the regards,
WW