“Who gave him the 'authority' to do this?” “He didn't do it 'on his own authority' [=he didn't do it on his own]; he was acting 'under the authority of' the company president.” [=the company president gave him the power to do it]
No one 'in authority' objected to the plan. = No one 'in a position of authority' objected to the plan. [=no one with official power to make important decisions objected to the plan]
This office has 'authority' over personnel matters. [=this office has the power to make decisions about personnel matters]
(..) we are going to DEFCON . Man: You can't make that call. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is gone. Woman: That doesn't give you any authority, Harris. We're under attack. What more authority do you want? Peter: Who do you think you are? I want the Air Force flying in minutes. (..)2016 TvShow: Designated Survivor Title: Pilot Season: 1 Episode 1