Keyhole

A keyhole (also formatted in uppercase) is a secret level passage in Super Mario World and its reissue. Every level represented by a red dot on the map signifies the level has a secret exit; in most such levels, the secret exit is through a keyhole. While lacking a red dot, several Ghost Houses also have secret exits, with one among them being via a keyhole as well. To achieve a secret exit via a keyhole, the player must find a key (usually hidden in the main course somewhere) and bring it to the keyhole. If Mario or Luigi is riding Yoshi, Yoshi can hold the key in his mouth and simply walk to the keyhole. When activated by the key, the keyhole grows in size and swallows up Mario or Luigi, along with Yoshi if the player is riding him.

One keyhole is also featured in the Super Mario World animated television series during part of the episode "Mama Luigi." Yoshi, who is a Baby Yoshi at this point, eats a key held by King Koopa. After King Koopa flees, Yoshi spits it out into a nearby keyhole on the wall. The action of the two coming into contact suddenly transports Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Toadstool back to Dome City.