make up ground / make up the ground

[Mnemon]

Hi.

They're on foot, tired. They'll have to sleep. We'll make up the ground tomorrow.

The Book of Eli movie

As far as dictionaries can tell, "make up ground " is a set phrase. However, in the movie the character says make up the ground.
Is there any difference between the two? Would it be acceptable if he said,

They're on foot, tired. They'll have to sleep. We'll make up ground tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes.

 

[probus]

The definite article is appropriate there only if the lost ground has previously been mentioned.