GCHQ Christmas Puzzle

[spanky]

Ah, so it isn't a 9 letter word.

No it's smarter than that.

The diagram is what I would call a 'network chart' so nodes (the letters) are connected by edges (lines). In this case they are directional, so you follow the arrows to build a phrase. Some letters are used several times (the E is used 3 times) - note the loop on the E this suggests that somewhere in the phrase there is a double E. The S has three arrows going in and three arrows coming out, so that gets used three times as well.

There are a few permutations to work through. Took me a little while this morning to finally get it. The yellow lines show the first two steps in my solution SEA...

I'll post my solution tomorrow.

 

[TrickyD]

Think I know the answer, but not all the answers to the clues.

 

[Krh57]

Too complicated/complex to be fun !!!

 

[2ts]

Seasons greetings !

 

[2ts]

Thanks for the help Spanky,however i would not have needed it as i come from a long line of chancers,and guessing has always kept me in good stead,for example i have had many near misses at guessing winning lottery numbers each week,spanning many years.

 

[Godber]

No2, sign of Chinese Zodiac, Goat Monkey Rooster Dog Pig Rat Ox