Sometimes the meek can triumph where the brave cannot,
I'm thinking a lower level trumps a higher level where the answer is concerned.

And signs of weakness will bolster one's strength.
Elemental and status weaknesses help the player win the battle.

Sometimes you've got to run away to face your problems.
Running when faced with a back attack will let you face your opponent. Doesn't work for being surrounded.

I am going to guess a back attack where the enemy has a weakness of some element or status, and that enemy is of a higher level then you.

Just throwing it out there.