“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]
(..) of... Daggett Industries... who, for years, has been living off the blood and sweat - of people less powerful than him. - Call Bane. I'm... I am one of you. Bane has no authority here. This is merely a sentencing hearing. Now, the choice is yours. Exile... or death! Order! Exi... exile. (..)2012 The Dark Knight Rises
(..) No. You yourself fought the decadence of Gotham for years... with all your strength... all your resources, all your moral authority. And the only victory you could achieve was a lie. Now you understand. Gotham is beyond saving. No. (..)2012 The Dark Knight Rises