“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]
(..) ...for using absolutely standard, textbook self-defense procedures. I don't think the tape showed that at all. You didn't think so? And what, you're an authority, Ma? Murray, what do you think? I did think that the police used their clubs rather excessively. Who are you to say what's excessive? I think it was totally appropriate. They're in a better position to make that call than you are. In fact, we as society, grant cops a certain amount of authority to make those calls... ...because we acknowledge that their job is difficult and dangerous. You know? Unfortunately, (..)1998 American History X