“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]
(..) Now, I've seen some pretty sick shit here tonight. I ain't taking my chances with you two. You can hide until I bring back the authorities. Come on, man. She's hurt. "Come on, man" nothing. You sit tight. I'll be back in about (..)2009 The Black Waters of Echo's Pond