The phrase "acting on orders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is following instructions or commands given by another person or authority.
Example: "The soldier was acting on orders from his commanding officer during the mission."
Alternatives: "following orders" or "executing commands".
A random sample in Katmandu suggested that voters were mainly civil servants and soldiers acting on orders.
In 1987 a Korean Air flight from Baghdad to Seoul was bombed by two agents apparently acting on orders from "Dear Leader" Kim, with a resulting loss of 115 lives.
His charges eventually gained publicity through Garry Trudeau's "Doonesbury" comic strip Tells how prison officials, apparently acting on orders from Bush-Quayle staffers, punished Kimberlin for telling his story, and prevented him from talking further with reporters.
Second, an Athenian militiaman, apparently acting on orders from conspirators higher in the ranks of the government, assassinated Phrynichus, the leader of the extremist faction.
"Israeli soldiers were not merely using excessive force," Human Rights Watch concluded, "but were apparently acting on orders that all but ensured a bloody military response to the Palestinian demonstrations".
Mr Trichet's presence at a CECEI meeting was exceptional it normally concerns itself with technicalities and, according to one witness, his demeanour made it clear that he was acting on orders from above.
But one theory in the case has been that local police were acting on orders from criminal elements.
Four later said they were acting on orders of superiors.
Brandon Hall, told reporters he was acting on orders from superiors.
Some have said they were acting on orders of military intelligence officers.
Both Mr. Davidge and Ms. Brooks say they were acting on orders from their chairmen.
