definite articles - "Time of (the) day"


I am confused about the article usage in the phrase "time of (the) day".


From my research, I understand that "time of day" (day with the zero article) is more common and probably more idiomatic. It's also a part of an idiom not give somebody the time of day. But I'm interested in its more literal usage and sense.


Is there any difference in usage or meaning between "time of day" and "time of the day".


I went to the COCA for examples but I still haven't been able to come up with any reasoning when to prefer one over the other:


With the:



What's your biggest vice? - Dark chocolate. I'll have it at any *time of the day*; it's never too early or too late.



Without the:



These morning menu favorites taste good any time of day




Answer



If anyone is saying that any time of day is ungrammatical, I have to disagree. Both it and any time of the day can refer to an unspecified point on any day. Additionally, any time of the day can refer to an unspecified point on a particular day.


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