We see someone fighting against several foes. He is outnumbered, but he holds the higher ground. This can be seen as a literal situation where his position is higher up; but it might also refer to someone who is holding the higher moral ground. It is someone who is not going to give up easily.
This could represent a person who is beset with difficulties, human or otherwise. He may be in the right – likely he is convinced of this – but he may still have to defend himself.
This could even symbolize a person who has risen in some way – promotion at a job, some honor, military promotion, graduation – and who is then attacked by those who are envious.
Note that he is wearing two different kinds of footwear, evidently a shoe and a boot. Some authors say that this hint at a sudden attack; the defender didn’t have time to look for his boots, so grabbed whatever came to hand. Possibly it symbolizes his being on an uneven footing; or being uncertain about what his stance is. Some authors liken this to a person who has an unstable footing.
Keywords: Taking the high ground. Fighting for principle. Fighting without adequate preparation. Uneven footing.