answerable to — being responsible to someone in authority; having to explain or justify actions to someone

a nervous employee sits across from a stern supervisor at a conference table, holding documents while explaining recent project failures. The employee gestures apologetically while the supervisor leans forward with crossed arms and a serious expression. The failed project results are spread across the table between them as evidence. The supervisor points to specific problems that need explanation. Other board members sit around the table watching the accountability discussion unfold. The employee's worried face shows they must justify their decisions and actions. someone being responsible to someone in authority and having to explain their actions