◊ GRAMMAR
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb, a verb and a preposition, or a verb, an adverb, and a preposition, which together have a single meaning. Phrasal verbs extend the usual meaning of the verb or create a new meaning.
The pain gradually wore off.
I had to look after the kids.
They broke out of prison.
◊ position of objects
With phrasal verbs consisting of a transitive verb and an adverb, the object of the verb can usually be put in front of the adverb or after it.
Don't give the story away, silly!
I wouldn't want to give away any secrets.
However, when the object of the verb is a pronoun, the pronoun must go in front of the adverb.
He cleaned it up.
I answered him back and took my chances.
With phrasal verbs consisting of a transitive verb and a preposition, the object of the verb is put after the verb, and the object of the preposition is put after the preposition.
They agreed to let him into their little secret.
The farmer threatened to set his dogs on them.
With phrasal verbs consisting of a transitive verb, an adverb, and a preposition, the object of the verb is usually put in front of the adverb, not after it.
Multinational companies can play individual markets off against each other.
I'll take you up on that generous invitation.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.