“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]
(..) - My insight into Lecter's mind - made this breakthrough possible. - Buffalo Bill's real name? That is now a matter of record with the proper authorities. - My name is Dr Frederick Chilton. - How do you spell that? - Are you with Dr Chilton's group? - Well, I just saw him outside, sir. (..)1991 The Silence of the Lambs