“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]
(..) - Read what it says, J, J,, you have been charged by the government with violating Teddy Woods' civil rights, under the color of authority, - Do you know what that means? - I didn't violate anybody's civil rights, Then sit down and talk to us, J, J, Please, Mr, Bono said he stopped Teddy Woods (..)1994 The Glass Shield