In the sentence of "Would you mind if I smelled it", WHY “smelled” ？ --: Uh, yes, Mr. Gold. Do you have a question? --: Your hair is pretty. --: Ah. Not a question, but thank you. --: Would you mind if I smelled it? --: I think now would probably be a good time to tell you that I don't date students' parents. In this dialogue, why does he say "if I smelled it'? Isn't it the same as "would you mind if I open the window"? Thanks a lot

Again, about tense... The episode: "They have found that it is connected with the passage of days and the phases of the moon.It is,in fact,a primitive type of calendar.It has long been known that the hunting scenes depicted on walls were not simply a form of artistic expression.They had a definite meaning,for they were as near as early man could get to writing.It is possible that there is a definite relation between these paintings and the markings that sometimes accompany then." Why are there both present tense and past tense at the same time? To be specific, can I change it to "They have found that it was connected with the passage of days and the phases of the moon.It was,in fact,a primitive type of calendar."? Why not? Thanks a lot~

Does the phrase "brief developing history of psychology" exist? Does the phrase "brief developing history of psychology" exist? Or could it be "brief history of the development of psychology"

lash out meaning? She got pregnant. I have been trying to help her, but with all the pills she's taking, she kinda lashes out. What does lash out mean in this sentence? Thanks a lot~

I stood and delievered. What does the sentence mean? The context: -- Was it comfortable around the school yard on the shoulders of the children? -- Well, I stood and delivered. Thank you for sarcastically asking. Thanks a lot~

'You find yourself on the business end of a wedgie. ' What does it mean? A script in Modern Family. What does 'on the business end of a wedgie' mean? Thanks a lot~

Is this sentence natural? Four years of study at China Foreign Affairs University has bestowed an excellent professional qualification as well as an international vision upon me. This is from a PS written by my friend. Is it natural?

Another problem concerning tense... "Before she had anchored, the men from the boats had climbed on board and the decks were soon covered with colorful rugs." "Many of the tourists on board had begun bargaining with the tradesmen, but I decided not to buy anything until I had disembarked." Shouldn't it be "Before she anchored" and "until I disembarked" ???

throw sb for a loop 'family milestones always throw Claire for a loop.' what does it mean? Thanks a lot~