undeserved honor; too great an honor
A humble set phrase used to express that an honor or recognition is more than one deserves. Often used in formal speeches or letters when receiving a compliment, award, or position.
Receiving such an award is an honor I do not deserve.
I consider it an honor far beyond my merits.
光栄 is a general noun meaning 'honor' or 'glory', while 身に余る光栄 is a fixed humble expression specifically for an honor one feels unworthy of.
恐縮 expresses a similar feeling of being undeserving or apologetic, but is broader and can be used for any situation where one feels indebted or sorry, not limited to honor.
Standard kanji spelling for this set phrase.
Kana-mixed variant; the に is often written in kana for readability.
A set phrase combining 身 (oneself), に (particle), 余る (to be more than, to exceed), and 光栄 (honor). The literal meaning is 'honor that exceeds oneself'.