Exercising authority means having the power to make decisions and enforce them. The term can be broken down into four words: RULE, WIELD, PRESIDE, and crackthewhip or wearthetrousers. To 'RULE' is to have control over a situation or group of people, while to 'WIELD' is to use one's power or influence. To 'PRESIDE' is to be in charge of a meeting or event, and to 'crackthewhip' or 'wearthetrousers' is to take a firm stance and enforce rules. All of these terms are related to exercising authority, and together they form the phrase 'exercise authority'.